Roadworks to be lifted over bank holiday weekend in bid to avoid traffic nightmare

Roadworks on the motorway

Around 14 million people are expected to travel over the bank holiday weekend

PA
Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 25/08/2023

- 13:16

Updated: 25/08/2023

- 16:08

Almost 1,000 miles of roadworks will be removed for drivers to enjoy stress-free journeys

National Highways are lifting roadworks across England for the August bank holiday to help millions of drivers get to their destinations with as little disruption as possible.

As motorists look to get away for the long weekend of August and the school holidays, journeys are set to be a lot smoother and stress-free.


National Highways have announced that a total of 972 miles of roadworks will be lifted and completed in time for the bank holiday weekend.

Drivers look set to benefit with seaside resorts, airports and theme parks all being more accessible over the three-day weekend.

Roadworks on the motorway

The roadworks will be put back in place on Tuesday morning

PA

The roadworks will be removed by 6am on Friday, August 25, and not put back in place until the early hours of Tuesday, August 29.

Frank Bird, senior network planner at National Highways, said: “It’s really important that drivers play their part in helping to keep people moving this August Bank Holiday because we expect roads to be busy.

“We’d say it’s good practice to make sure there is enough fuel to reach the destination and we’d also remind people to keep an eye on the gauge during the journey.

“We’d also say top-up the screen-wash to make sure you have good visibility of the road ahead.

“We’re also calling on motorists to plan regular rest stops because we know that long journeys can be tiring.”

He added that drivers are urged to take a 15-minute break every two hours, advising them to stop driving, grab a coffee and get some fresh air.

This will keep them alert and will help them maintain their focus on the road ahead, as stated in Rule 91 of the Highway Code.

Drivers are also being reminded to remember a few things before setting off, using the acronym “TRIP”.

Motorists should ensure their engine oil is topped up, they take rest, inspect their tyre pressure and prepare for any adverse weather conditions.

Some drivers may also experience trouble on the roads with the Met Office issuing three yellow warnings for Friday and Saturday for thunderstorms in Scotland.

Roads Minister Richard Holden also urged road users to remain safe and heed the advice of National Highways when travelling this weekend.

The Conservative MP for North West Durham, said: “To help everybody get away for the long weekend as smoothly and safely as possible, National Highways is lifting roadworks across the August Bank Holiday.

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A roadworks sign

Almost 1,000 miles of roadworks are set to be lifted

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“I encourage everybody planning to travel on the roads this weekend to follow National Highways’ guidance to check their vehicles before setting off, take regular breaks and drive safely.”

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