M25 Junctions 23-27 Managed Motorways
Major Scheme
Part of our programme of improvements (value >10m)
Start of Works
Work on this scheme commenced in February 2013.
Public Consultation
The consultation on the Highways Agency's proposed option of implementing a Managed Motorway scheme between Junctions 23 and 27 of the M25 closed on 21 January 2013. To find out more please visit our M25 J23-27 Managed Motorways Consultation page.
Public Exhibition
We held exhibitions in the local area, giving the public the opportunity to find out more about this scheme and to ask any questions.
The exhibitions took place at:
Cornmill Function
Suite Waltham Abbey Town Hall
Highbridge Street
Waltham Abbey Essex, EN9 1DE
on Friday 12 October 2012, 3pm until 9pm and,
Saturday 13 October 2012, 10am until 5pm
What is happening?
We have developed proposals to provide managed motorway on the M25 between junctions 23 and 27. Managed motorways help relieve congestion by using technology to vary speed limits. They also allow the hard shoulder to be used as a running lane to create additional capacity. They deliver these benefits at a significantly lower cost than conventional motorway widening and with less impact on the environment during construction. Find out more about Managed Motorways.
When and where is this happening?
The scheme improvements will be made between junction 23 [A1(M) South Mimms] and junction 27 [M11(J5)] of the M25.
Construction work on this scheme commenced in February 2013.
Why is this happening and what will it cost?
The M25 is one of Europe's busiest motorways, handling around 200,000 vehicles every day. It is at the core of our network and is suffering from increasing congestion levels and journey times. We need to manage traffic flows better and to help achieve this we have already widened the carriageways from Junctions 16 to 23, and from Junctions 27 to 30, from 3 to 4 lanes in each direction.
The Secretary of State decided that this section of motorway could be improved by the introduction of a system to replace the hard shoulder with a fourth running lane (otherwise known as Managed Motorways - All Lanes Running).
Our aim is to provide the minimum amount of improvements necessary to deliver the safe operation of Managed Motorways.
Widening of the M25 is one of the recommendations of the Orbit Multi Modal Study which reported in November 2002. The study was tasked with addressing the problems of the M25 motorway and the orbital transport corridor around London. The study involved widespread public consultation and looked at the current problems and potential solutions to them. The report recommended that most of the dual 3 lane sections of the M25 should generally be widened to dual 4 lanes. The other sections to be widened were:
M25 Jct 16 to 23 (M40 - A1 (M)) - 21.8 miles (35 kilometres) - CompletedM25 Jct 27 to 30 (M11 - Dartford) - 14.3 miles (23 kilometres) - CompletedM25 Jct 5 to 7 (Sevenoaks to Redhill) - 12.2 miles (16 kilometres)M25 Jct 1b to 3 (Dartford - M20) - 3.1 miles (5 kilometres) - Completed
The scheme will cost £195M.
How will the scheme be carried out?
A number of cameras, information signs and signals on gantries will be installed as part of the improvement scheme. As the scheme design progresses we will provide more information on the location of these features. Using our knowledge of operating the M42 and M6 managed motorway schemes we have developed the managed motorway concept. These developments include permanently converting the hard should to a running lane and developing the design so that schemes will have:
- Fewer overhead gantries which span the whole motorway
- Fewer signals over each lane and more verge mounting signing
- Comprehensive CCTV cameras – although there will no longer be the need for the dedicated cameras and operating systems required for opening and closing the hard shoulder.
Signs and signals will still be used to inform drivers of conditions on the network and when variable speed limits are in place.
What are the benefits?
This project will relieve congestion and smooth the flow of the traffic, improving safety and journey times. These benefits will also support economic development in the region.
We already have evidence of the benefits that a managed motorway scheme can bring. The first managed motorway scheme opened to traffic on the M42 motorway in 2006. Recent analysis of the data gathered since opening has found that journey time reliability improved by 22 per cent and reduced emissions by up to 10 per cent due to traffic flowing more smoothly.
In addition, personal injury accidents have reduced by more than half (55.7%) since hard shoulder running was introduced. There was also an overall reduction in the severity of accidents with zero fatalities and fewer seriously injured.
How do I find out more information ?
More information will be posted on this project page as it becomes available. You can subscribe to be alerted when updates are made.
If you have any queries about this project you should contact the Highways Agency Information Line by emailing ha_info@highways.gsi.gov.uk or calling 0300 123 5000.
The site office is:
M25 Managed Motorway Improvement Works - Junctions 23 to 27
Sanska Balfour Beatty Joint Venture
London Colney, St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL2 1FF
The email address is communityrelationsj23-27.m25@sbbjv.co.uk
The telephone number is 01727 744933.
The office is opened between 0700 and 1900 Monday to Friday, and 0700 and 1300 on Saturday, closed on Sunday
Will there be roadworks?
Yes, roadworks will be needed but three lanes of the M25 will be kept open in each direction during peak times during construction. We will close lanes at times of reduced traffic flow for essential night time works. These closures will be agreed in advance with local police and stake holders.
Road Works
| Date | Duration | Details | Allow an Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 May 2013 | 10pm to 5:30am | M25 J24 to J25 clockwise 2 lanes closed for CCTV drainage works. M25 J25 to J24 anti-clockwise 2 lanes closed for CCTV drainage works. M25 J23 anti-clockwise exit slip closed for signing works. Diversion via M25 J22 and return. M25 J27 to J26 anti-clockwise 2 lanes closed for site clearance works. | Allow extra time for your journey particularly as there are diversions. |
| 21 May 2013 | 10pm to 5:30am | M25 J27 to J26 anti-clockwise 2 lanes closed for site clearance works. M25 J26 to J27 clockwise 2 lanes closed for site clearance. M25 J25 to J26 clockwise 2 lanes closed for signing works. M25 J25 clockwise entry slip closed for signing works. Diversion via J24 and return. M25 J23 anti-clockwise exit slip closed for signage works. Diversion via M25 J22 and return. | Allow extra time for your journey particularly as there are diversions. |
| 22 May 2013 | 10pm to 5:30am | M25 J24 to J25 clockwise 2 lanes closed for CCTV drainage works. M25 J25 to J24 anti-clockwise 2 lanes closed for CCTV drainage works. M25 J27 to J26 anti-clockwise 2 lanes closed for site clearance works. M25 J26 to J27 clockwise 2 lanes closed for site clearance works. M25 J24 anti-clockwise exit slip closed for drilling works. Diversion via M25 J23. | Allow extra time for your journey particularly as there are diversions. |
| 23 May 2013 | 10pm to 5:30am | M25 J24 to J25 clockwise 2 lanes closed for CCTV drainage works. M25 J25 to J24 anti-clockwise 2 lanes closed for CCTV drainage works. M25 J27 to J26 anti-clockwise 2 lanes closed for site clearance works. M25 J26 to J27 clockwise 2 lanes closed for site clearance works. M25 J24 anti-clockwise exit slip closed for drilling works. Diversion via M25 J23. | Allow extra time for your journey particularly as there are diversions. |
| There are no planned closures between Friday 24 and Monday 27 May inclusive. |
How will you manage traffic?
During construction CCTV cameras will be installed on the motorway to support the management of incidents. The CCTV team will promptly identify incidents and notify our vehicle recovery teams to assist stranded motorists. A free vehicle recovery service will be provided within the roadworks
We will provide facilities for stranded motorists where they can make arrangements to continue their onward journeys.
Will there be diversions?
Clearly signed diversions will be in place when road closures are necessary.
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of works | February 2013 |
| Completion | Between October & December 2014 |
Business Case
Business Case - Information correct as at December 2010
Leaflet
M25 Junctions 23-27 Managed Motorways - Closure Information Leaflet - March 2013
Public Exhibition Information Leaflet
Information Leaflet
Legal
Notice of Determination
Report
For a copy of the Environmental Assessment Report for this scheme please email the team at:M25J23toJ27MM@highways.gsi.gov.uk
Appraisal Summary Table
What consultation has there been to date?
There was widespread consultation during the study that lead to the publication of the ORBIT Report in 2002. We consulted on the draft Regulations for providing Variable Mandatory Speed Limits for the scheme. The Regulations will also introduce Emergency Refuge Areas as part of the motorway. This consultation closed on 21 January 2013
What are you doing now?
Construction is currently underway. Work started in February 2013.
How can the public participate further?
We welcome comment and suggestions and these can be made by e-mail or by writing to us or to the Contractor for the scheme, SBBJV at communityrelationsj23-27@sbbjv.co.uk or telephone 01727 744933.
How have you procured the widening work?
We procured the widening through a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) contract. The basis was given in the Contract Notice published in the Official Journal of the European Union in November 2005 (Public Works Contract (Negotiated Procedure) Notice, reference 2005/S 214-211161).
The DBFO Contract was awarded under the negotiated procedure applicable to Public Works Contracts under the Public Works Contract Regulations 1991 (SI 1991/2680) (the Regulations) that implement the Public Works Contracts Directive (93/37/EC).
The Contract Notice invited requests from interested parties to prequalify. In the prequalification process, completed in March 2006, we identified 5 consortia who we considered have the capability and experience necessary for this work.
We invited them to submit outline proposals following which we asked three of these consortia to submit full tenders in early 2007. The Agency awarded the contract to upgrade and to manage the M25 to Connect Plus, a consortium consisting of Balfour Beatty, Skanska, Atkins and Egis Projects.
The widening of the M25 between Junctions 1b and 3 has already been delivered as part of the combined contract for the A2/A282 Dartford Improvement. The widening of the M25 between Jucntions 16 and 23, and between Junctions 27 and 30 has also completed.
We will also use the DBFO contract to provide the day to day maintenance work for the motorways and trunk roads in the Highways Agency Area 5, plus the Dartford Crossing over a 30 year period.
Area 5 comprises of the M25, the A282 Dartford Crossing and sections of the radial routes (like the M1, M3, M4 and M11) which cross the M25.
What is a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) contract?
It is a form of contract where the Agency pays for a service: the DBFO Company will design and build the improvements or new road. The DBFO Company raises the capital (finances) needed to build the improvements or new road.
The DBFO Company will maintain (operate) the new and other roads covered by the contract. The service payments we make cover the costs of: Operation and Maintenance; the capital works and financing
What about disruption during construction?
Where possible noisy operations will be undertaken during the day or as early as practical in the night shift. The most modern machinery we are able to bring to the site will be used at every opportunity.
How will you keep traffic moving during the work?
During busy times, we will keep all lanes open. At quieter times, we will have to close some lanes on occasion. This will help us work as quickly as possible.
Will you need my land / property? No - we have been asked to achieve widening within land we own.
Can I claim for compensation? Possibly, but the period for making claims will not start until after the widening has been carried out. To read about compensation please visit our Part I claims page.