MOTORISTS in Gloucestershire will benefit from £106million of investment on roads in the South West which will see congestion eased and journey times reduced.

The Highways Agency has a major programme of work taking place until April next year, with £77million being spent on maintenance schemes and £29million on improvements.

Highways Agency regional director, Andrew Page-Dove, said: “The country is in the early stages of the biggest road improvement programme since the 1970s and this is excellent news for road users in the South West.

“While this means more roadworks in the short-term, the agency is carrying out this large programme of work as quickly and efficiently as possible in order to invest in the economy and support growth.

“These road improvements will deliver benefits to drivers in the long-term by tackling congestion, making journey times more reliable and improving safety.”

A total of 14 pinch point schemes are being delivered in the region, designed to relieve congestion and improve safety.

Two pinch point schemes are planned for the M5. The slip road at junction 16, South Gloucestershire, will be widened within the existing highway boundary. Work will also be carried out to add an additional lane for traffic turning left towards the A38 heading north.

Resurfacing will take place at junction 17 near Bristol and signs and lining on the southbound off-slip will be upgraded to allow traffic to move towards Cribbs Causeway more swiftly. Both schemes will start this winter at a combined cost of £1.5million.

At the A40 Over Roundabout at Gloucester the approach from the west will be widened to allow for a right turn lane onto the roundabout and the roundabout carriageway on the north side will also be widened. This work will start this winter at a cost of £200,000.

Other pinch point schemes are planned at the A40 Longford Roundabout, on the M5 at junction 27.

The maintenance investment also includes an £18million programme of repairs on four M5 bridges in Gloucester.

Highways Agency, Area Manager Dave Sledge said: “During any roadworks we advise drivers to plan their journeys and allow greater time to make the journeys while they are being delivered.”

Drivers can get up-to-the-minute travel information by phoning the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by accessing the agency’s website: www.highways.gov.uk/traffic