Survey suggests two thirds of people think smart motorways less safe
A survey by the polling company YouGov suggests the vast majority of drivers think all lane running motorways are less safe than motorways with a hard shoulder. 44% of those asked said they ware “much less safe” and another 20% “a little less safe” with only 7% thinking they are much more or a little […]
HE “working hard” on smart motorway concerns
Highways England has responded to concerns about the safety of smart motorways by insisting that in most ways they are as safe, or safer, than conventional ones. Over the last week a coroner and Police and Crime Commissioner have both questioned the use of the hard shoulder as a running lane, in reaction to the […]
First carbon neutral road improvement project in the UK is completed
Work has been completed on the UK’s first carbon-neutral scheme in Cumbria for Highways England. The project, a collaboration between A E Yates, Aggregate Industries and Amey, saw over 1,000 tonnes of Foamix asphalt laid per night between junction6 of the M6 and Bettarg Holt, with operatives working 24 hours via two shifts to help […]
South Yorkshire Police Chief calls for end of smart motorways
The Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire has written an open letter to the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, and Highways England, calling for smart motorways to be abandoned “before more lives are lost”. Dr Alan Billings wants all-lane-running stretches such as that along part of the M1 past Sheffield to have the hard shoulder […]
Work to continue on junction 25 of the M25
Work on junction 25 of the M25 will continue this week. The project will be reconfigured to improve traffic flow. The A10 southbound approach into the junction is also a congestion hotspot in Broxbourne, according to Highways England. Junction 25 already sees up to 6,300 vehicles per hour using the junction’s roundabout at peak times, causing congestion and regular […]
HE should “maximise safety of smart motorways” – Lawyer
A leading personal injuries lawyer has told Highways News he does not think that Highways England is at risk of being found guilty of corporate manslaughter over deaths on a smart motorway, but that the government-owned company will need to consider the issues and determine if anything further can be done to maximise the safety […]
Work starts on ‘game changing’ M54 to M6 Link Road
The initial ground investogation and archaeological trial work has started this week to prepare for the construction of the new M54 to M6 Link Road. The surveys will last around eight weeks and will take place between Junction 11 of the M6 and Junction 1 of the M54. They are used as the basis to […]
HE planning smart motorways education campaign
Highways England is planning to run a £5 million TV campaign educating drivers about smart motorways. The Telegraph reports that the Department for Transport explains that the campaign will “improve people’s confidence in using all types of motorways, including what to do in the event of a breakdown in a live lane.” This news follows […]
A1 Birtley to Coal House scheme makes progress after obtaining development consent
The A1 Birtley to Coal House Improvement Scheme is set to go ahead after being granted development consent. The project will include the widening of the A1 south of Gateshead to four lanes between junction 65 and 67 on the southbound carriageway and three lanes with lane gain/ drop between junctions on northbound carriageway to […]
Highways England appoints first contractors to help repair and replace concrete roads
Highways England has awarded the first of three contracts to transform concrete road surfaces in a number of regions across the UK. The framework will include a number of companies that will be appointed work on different aspects of the project over the next four years. Consultants Atkins and Aecom will work with Highways England to […]