Author Archives: HM Government

News story: Priti Patel will double public donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee East Africa Crisis Appeal this weekend

In response to the unprecedented public support for the Disasters Emergency Committee East Africa Crisis Appeal, this weekend the UK Government will match pound for pound the next £5 million donated by the public.

This is in addition to the £5 million match funding already donated by the UK Government which helped Britain raise a phenomenal £12 million for the DEC appeal in just 24 hours.

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said:

I want to say a huge thank you to the British people. Once again, the life-saving generosity of the British public has exceeded all expectations with their response to this vital cause. I’ve seen first-hand how every penny really does make a huge difference to saving lives across East Africa. That’s why the Government will double donations up to £5 million this weekend to make your money go even further.

The Great British public has acted without hesitation to stop people dying of famine and hunger. Right now UK funded aid is reaching those most in need with food, water and emergency healthcare. Now it’s time for the international community to step up and follow Global Britain’s lead before it’s too late.

This new support will double the impact of the public’s own donations up to an additional £5 million and ensure that charities working on the ground can reach even more people in need.

This brings total UK Government match funding for the DEC Appeal to £10 million.

The UK’s support will go directly to the Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal and provide vital and life-saving emergency supplies.

The Disasters Emergency Committee brings together 13 leading UK aid agencies to raise money at times of humanitarian crisis in poorer countries. By working together we can raise more money to save lives and rebuild shattered communities.

Notes to editors:

Donations can be made at www.dec.org.uk or by calling 0370 60 60 610.

£25 could provide a month’s supply of life-saving peanut paste to a malnourished child.
£60 could provide clean drinking water for two families for a month.
£100 could provide supplies to a clinic treating severely malnourished children for a week.

UK support to Somalia:

In Somalia, more than 6 million people have no reliable access to food and there are 360,000 acutely malnourished children. All the signs are pointing to a famine as bad, or worse, than the one in 2011 which killed 260,000 people. The UK is acting now to prevent this.
We recently announced humanitarian support for Somalia worth £100 million to respond to famine warnings, on top of a further £10 million announced by the International Development Secretary Priti Patel during a recent visit to Somalia.
This £110 million of UK aid support will provide:
- Up to 1 million people provided with emergency food assistance
- Over 600,000 starving children and pregnant and breastfeeding women provided with nutritional interventions
- Over 1 million people provided with safe drinking water and hygiene
- More than 1.1 million people provided with emergency health services.
Global Britain will bring the international community together in London for a conference later this year to agree future support to Somalia, which is firmly in the UK’s interes‎ts.

UK support to South Sudan:

The situation in South Sudan is dire. Children will die tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that, until the South Sudanese authorities allow food and life-saving aid to reach those most in need.
Famine has now been officially declared in some parts of South Sudan – the first declaration of famine anywhere in the world for 6 years. 100,000 people in Unity State (Leer and Mayendit Districts) are now at risk of starvation.
Almost 5 million face the daily threat of going without enough food and water and 3 million people have been forced from their homes because of ruthless violence and widespread rape.
The UK was one of the first major donors to respond to the UN’s appeal to South Sudan and we are leading the way by making sure millions of people in South Sudan get urgently needed food, water and medicine, as well as longer term support to provide much-needed education.
The UK has announced £100m for 2017/18 that will provide:
- food for over 500,000 people
- life-saving nutritional support to more than 27,500 children
- safe drinking water for over 300,000 people
- emergency health services for over 100,000 people
- livelihood support for over 650,000 people and
- vaccinations for over 200,000 livestock.
The UK is also leading the way in providing support for the region, bolstering help for neighbouring countries such as Uganda (almost £50 million over the last 3 years) to cope with the influx of refugees from South Sudan.
In 2016, the UK’s support to Uganda has provided: food for 650,000 people including 45,000 children; shelter for 56,250 people; blankets, water containers and sanitary towels for 64,000 people; and vaccinated 210,000 children.
The UK will not look the other way while people suffer: the Government of South Sudan must put an end abuses and deliver long-lasting peace.
The international community now needs to step up alongside Global Britain to stop famine spreading and help support stability in South Sudan and the region, which is firmly in our interests.
It is first and foremost the responsibility the country’s leaders to alleviate the pressure on its people, and to stop obstructing the UN, as well as NGOs, who are delivering vital lifesaving aid to the South Sudanese people and ultimately create lasting peace and stability.

UK support to Kenya:

We are responding early and working with the international community to prevent a repeat of the Horn of Africa crisis in 2010/11.
Our support at an early stage has helped mitigate the impact of droughts, saving lives and reducing the need for costly and often late humanitarian appeals.
We have provided 11,500 children under 5 with nutrition.
The Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) – supported by UK aid – aims to reduce poverty and hunger, and build economic resilience for the most vulnerable people in the 4 poorest arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) counties (Turkana, Mandera, Marsabit and Wajir). It covers an area is equivalent to 91% of the UK and 60% of the beneficiaries are women.
HSNP provides small regular cash transfers as an alternative to food aid to support around 600,000 people, empowering people to make decisions about what they need, cutting out the middle man and reducing waste. Payments are made to households and work out at around £3.33 per person per month, paid every 2 months.
HSNP can also rapidly scale up to reach a further 1.5 million people by providing emergency cash transfers to prevent the effects of drought. To date, on the basis of satellite early warning data, HSNP has scaled up support 11 times since 2015, including 3 times in response to the current drought.
All payments are made electronically through biometric systems which are some of the most secure in the world, and mean British taxpayers can be sure that the help they provide goes directly to the less fortunate, not those trying to abuse the system.
HSNP is now a flagship programme of the Government of Kenya, managed by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) as part of the wider National Safety Net Programme (NSNP). The Government now funds over a third (34%) of the programme, having started contributing in 2013. And the Government will be taking on increased costs in future.

UK support to Ethiopia:

In 2017, a new drought is hitting Ethiopia hard. Over 13 million people are currently in need of food assistance; this figure is likely to rise.
Across the country, 9.1 million people are without access to water, and 1.9 million need support to prevent their cattle dying. 3 million children and pregnant women are projected to be acutely malnourished by May. People urgently need access to clean water, food and healthcare.
In response to the continuing drought, the UK has increased much needed support to Ethiopia by giving an extra £11.5 million to provide around 800,000 people with lifesaving clean water, basic food, and emergency nutrition to malnourished children. This will provide emergency nutrition treatment to 25,000 malnourished children, clean water for 100,000, people and will provide vaccination and treatment to 600,000 cattle.
Ethiopia is hosts over 800,000 refugees, mainly from South Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea. New refugee arrivals from all 3 countries will continue to increase.
The humanitarian situation is worsening. Forecasts for the upcoming spring rains are poor, and the lack of rainfall means there will continue to be humanitarian needs, particularly for water and food, throughout 2017.

March 18, 2017 HM GovernmentHM GovernmentGB • Governmental • HM Government • political

Press release: Planned roadworks in and around the M25: weekly summary for Monday 20 March to Sunday 26 March 2017

The following summary of planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week is correct as of 17 March 2017 but could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.

M1 junction 2 Mill Hill, Greater London: bridge investigation

Work to maintain safety by carrying out bridge investigations will start this week. The northbound entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, from Monday 20 March for 5 nights. Work on Friday will start at 11pm. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A1 and A41 to M1 junction 4.

M1 junction 6a (M25), Hertfordshire: electrical repair

Work to maintain safety by carrying out electrical repairs continues this week. The southbound link roads to the M25 in both directions will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 20 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M1 junction 6, A405 eastbound and M25 junction 21a.

M3 junctions 2 (M25) to 4a Farnborough, Hampshire: smart motorway improvement

Work to reduce congestion and improve journey times continues this week between junctions 2 and 4a with narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit in place on both carriageways, with a free recovery service operating 24 hours a day.

The northbound carriageway between junctions 3 and 2 will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Monday 20 March for 5 nights. Work on Saturday will finish at 7am. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A322, A30, M25 junction 13 and M25 junction 12.

The southbound carriageway between junctions 4 and 5 will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Monday 20 March for 5 nights. Work on Saturday will finish at 7am. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M3 junction 4, A331, A30 and A287 to M3 junction 5.

The southbound carriageway between junctions 2 and 3 will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Wednesday 22 March for 3 nights. Work on Saturday will finish at 7am. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M25 junction 13, A30, A322 to M3 junction 3.

The northbound exit slip road at junction 4a will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Monday 20 March for 4 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M3 junction 4, A331 and the M3 southbound to junction 4a.

The northbound carriageway between junctions 4a and 4 will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 7am, on Saturday 25 March 2017. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A327, A30 and A331 to M3 junction 4.

The scheme is due to be completed in June 2017. For further information visit the scheme website.

M4 junctions 3 (A312) to 1 Chiswick, West London: electrical installation

Work to improve safety by carrying out electrical installation continues this week. The carriageway in both directions, including Heston Services and junction 2, will be closed overnight, between midnight and 5.30am, from Monday 20 March for 5 nights. Work on Saturday morning will finish at 6am. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A312 and A4.

M4 junction 4b (M25), Greater London: carriageway survey

Work to maintain safety by carrying out carriageway surveys will start this week. The dedicated link roads from the M4 in both directions to the M25 anti-clockwise will be closed overnight, between 10.30pm and 5am, on Sunday 26 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M25 clockwise to M40 junction 1 and return.

M25 junction 2 (A2), Kent: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by carrying out resurfacing will start this week. The dedicated link road from the M25 anti-clockwise to the A2 westbound will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Sunday 26 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the junction 2 roundabout.

M25 junction 10 (A3), Surrey: communications

Work to maintain safety by carrying out communications work will start this week. The anti-clockwise carriageway between the slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Thursday 23 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the exit and entry slip roads.

M25 junction 10 (A3), Surrey: carriageway repairs

Work to improve journeys by carrying out carriageway repairs will start this week. The anti-clockwise exit and entry slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, from Monday 20 March for 3 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the exit slip road via junction 9 and return. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the entry slip road via junction 11 and return.

The anti-clockwise carriageway will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Thursday 23 March for 2 nights. Work on Friday will start at 11pm. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the exit and entry slip roads.

M25 junctions 10 (A3) to 11 Chertsey, Surrey: bridge joint replacement

Work to improve journeys by carrying out bridge joint replacement on the structure that carries the M25 over the River Wey and the South West Trains railway line continues this week. The clockwise carriageway and junction 10 entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 8am, on Saturday 25 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A3, A245, B374 and A317 to junction 11.

M25 junction 12 (M3), Surrey: smart motorway improvement

Work to improve journeys by carrying out smart motorway improvement continues this week. The dedicated link roads from the M25 in both directions to the M3 southbound will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Wednesday 22 March for 3 nights. On Saturday work will finish at 7am. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M25 junction 13, A30, A322 to M3 junction 3.

M25 junction 14 and Terminal 5 spur road, Heathrow, Greater London: inspection

Work to maintain safety by carrying out inspections continues this week. The anti-clockwise exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Sunday 26 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M25 clockwise to junction 13 and return.

M25 junctions 20 Hemel Hempstead to 21a St Albans, Hertfordshire: electrical repair

Work to maintain safety by carrying out electrical repairs continues this week. The clockwise carriageway will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Wednesday 22 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M1 northbound to junction 8, M1 southbound to junction 6, A405 eastbound to M25 junction 21a.

M25 junctions 30 Thurrock to 31 Lakeside, Essex: street lighting

Work to maintain safety by carrying out street lighting maintenance continues this week. The clockwise carriageway will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Monday 20 March for 2 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the dedicated link road between junctions 30 and 31.

The dedicated link roads between junction 30 and 31 in both directions will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, on Wednesday 22 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A13, Wennington Interchange and the A1306 and vice versa.

A1(M) junctions 3 Hatfield to 4 Hertford, Hertfordshire: tunnel maintenance

Work to maintain tunnel safety by carrying out repairs will start this week. The northbound carriageway will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Saturday 25 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via A1001.

A282 junction 1a Swanscombe, Kent: tunnel maintenance

Work to maintain safety by carrying out tunnel maintenance will continue this week. The northbound entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 5.30am, from Monday 20 March for 4 nights and on Saturday 25 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A282 southbound to junction 1b and return.

A282 (M25) Dartford – Thurrock Crossing: routine maintenance

Work to improve journeys by carrying out routine maintenance at the Dartford Crossing continues this week. The following closures will be in place overnight, between 9pm and 5.30am, with fully signed diversions in place during the northbound east tunnel closures for oversized vehicles.

Monday 20 March: northbound west tunnel
Tuesday 21 March: northbound west tunnel
Wednesday 22 March: northbound west tunnel
Thursday 23 March: northbound west tunnel
Friday 24 March: northbound east tunnel
Saturday 25 March: northbound west tunnel
Sunday 26 March: northbound east tunnel

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

March 17, 2017 HM GovernmentHM GovernmentGB • Governmental • HM Government • political

Press release: Works starts on M11 in Essex to restrict lorry daytime overtaking

The work, which will include installing road signs along a section of the M11 in both directions between junctions 8 for Bishop’s Stortford and Stansted airport and 9 for the A11, will make journeys safer and more reliable, and improve journey times.

To minimise disruption, the work will be carried out overnight between 10pm and 6am Monday to Friday only, with the hard shoulder and lane 1 closed to keep drivers and road workers safe. It is planned for completion by the end March.

Once the signs are in place, vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes and travelling through the sections of the M11 where signage is displayed will not be allowed to drive in lane 2 of the two-lane carriageway between 7am and 7pm.

Highways England project manager Steve Cox said:

We are committed to getting the best use out of the road network, making journeys more reliable and improve safety. Our research, based on a trial we carried out between April 2010 and September 2011, has shown us that implementing lorry overtaking restrictions on uphill sections of the M11 between junctions 8 and 9 during the daytime would be beneficial to road users, reducing congestion and improving journey times.

Highways England provides up-to-date traffic information via its website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile platforms.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

March 17, 2017 HM GovernmentHM GovernmentGB • Governmental • HM Government • political

Press release: Planned roadworks in Central Southern England: weekly summary for Monday 20 March to Sunday 26 March 2017

M3 junctions 2 (M25) to 4a Farnborough, Hampshire: smart motorway improvement

The northbound carriageway between junctions 3 and 2 including junction 3 entry slip and clockwise and anti-clockwise link roads from the M3 junction 2 northbound to M25 junction 12 will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am on Monday 20 March for four nights and between 8pm and 7am on Friday 24 March 2017. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via A322 to A30 to M25 junction 13 to M25 junction 12.

The southbound carriageway between junctions 4 and 5 including junctions 4 and 4a entry slips and 4a and 5 exit slips will be closed overnight and no entry or exit to Fleet Services southbound, between 8pm and 5.30am on Monday 20 March for four nights and between 8pm and 7am on Friday 24 March 2017. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M3 junction 4 to A331 to A30 to A287 to M3 junction 5.

The southbound carriageway between junction 2 and 3 including M25 clockwise and anti-clockwise link roads to M3 southbound and junction 3 exit slip will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am on Wednesday 22 March for two nights and between 8pm and 7am on Friday 24 March 2017.

A clearly signed diversion will be in place via:

M3 southbound junction 2 to M25 junction 13 via A30 to A322 to M3 junction 3
M25 clockwise junction 13 via A30 to A322 to M3 junction 3
M25 anti clockwise junction 13 via A30 to A322 to M3 junction 3

The M3 junction 4a northbound exit slip will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, on Monday 20 March for four nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place: Continue on M3 to junction 4 via the A30 to M3 junction 4a southbound.

The northbound carriageway between junctions 4a and 4 including junction 4a entry slips and junction 4a and 4 exit slips will also be closed overnight, between 8pm and 7am on Saturday 25 March 2017. A clearly signed diversion will be in place: M3 junction 4a to A327 to A30 to A331 to M3 junction 4.

The scheme is due to be completed in June 2017. For further information visit the scheme website

M3 junction 6 (Black Dam Junction) Basingstoke, Hampshire: road markings improvements

Work to improve journeys by laying additional road markings at the Black Dam junction and improving footpaths along the A30 London Road starts this week. The link in the centre of the junction for traffic from the A30 heading to Ringway East will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, from Monday 20 March for 5 nights. Traffic will be diverted around the junction.

During the closures, motorway permitted vehicles will be diverted into/out from Basingstoke via M3 junction 7, A30 Winchester Road, Ringway East, Ringway South and A3010 Churchill Way.

Motorway permitted vehicles for villages along the A30 will be diverted via M3 junction 5 and London Road. Non-motorway permitted vehicles travelling on the A30 London Road will be diverted via Old Basing (Park Lane, Crown Lane, Swing Swang Lane and Faraday Road).

M3 junction 8 Popham, Hampshire: bridge strengthening

Work to maintain journeys by replacing bridge bearings and supports continues this week. Narrow lanes and a 50mph speed restriction are in place on the link from the M3 southbound to the A303 westbound 24/7 until May.

The M3 southbound carriageway from junction 7 to junction 9 will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, from Tuesday 21 March for 2 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A30, A303 and A34. The M3 northbound carriageway from junction 9 to junction 8 will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, on Friday 24 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A34 and A303.

M3 junctions 8 Popham to 9 Winchester, Hampshire: safety barrier repairs

Work to improve safety by carrying out repairs to the barrier along the M3 continues this week. Lane closures will be in place on the southbound carriageway near Winchester Service Area overnight, between 10pm and 6am, from Monday 20 March for 4 weeks (Monday to Friday only).

M3 junction 12 Chandlers Ford, Hampshire: street lighting

Work to maintain safety by carrying out street lighting maintenance at the junction continues this week. The southbound exit and entry slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, from Tuesday 21 March for 10 nights (Monday to Friday only). Clearly signed diversions will be in place via the adjacent junctions.

M3 junctions 13 to 14 Eastleigh, Hampshire: signage

Work to improve journeys by maintaining the road signs along the M3 continues this week. Lane closures will be in place on the southbound carriageway overnight, between 9pm and 6am, until Tuesday 21 March (Monday to Friday only).

M4 junctions 5 Slough to 6 Windsor, Berkshire: surveys and resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by resurfacing a slip road at junction 6 and carrying out surveys in preparation for the M4 smart motorway improvements continues this week. Lane closures will be in place on the east and westbound carriageways overnight, between 9pm and 6am, until Friday 28 April.

In addition, the eastbound entry slip road at junction 6 will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, from Monday 20 March for 5 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 7.

M4 junctions 7 to 8/9 Maidenhead, Berkshire: street lighting

Work to maintain safety by carrying out street lighting maintenance along the M4 starts this week. Lane closures will be in place on the east and westbound carriageways overnight, between 9pm and 6am, from Monday 20 March for 12 nights (Monday to Friday only).

M4 junction 10 Wokingham, Berkshire: bridge reconstruction

Work to improve journeys by refurbishing the bridge that carries the link roads over the M4 continues this week. Narrow lanes and a 40mph speed limit are in place on the slip roads and a 50mph speed limit is in place on the M4 carriageway until November 2017.

M4 junctions 10 Wokingham to 11 Reading, Berkshire: safety barrier

Work to improve safety by carrying out repairs to the barrier along the M4 near Shinfield continues this week. Lane closures will be in place on the eastbound carriageway overnight, between 10pm and 6am, until Friday 31 March (Monday to Friday only).

M4 junctions 12 Theale to 13 Chieveley, West Berkshire: bridge refurbishment and signage

Work to improve journeys by refurbishing the bridges that carry the M4 over Dark Lane and Ashampstead Road continues this week. Narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit will be in place on the east and westbound carriageways until August.

In addition, work to keep road users informed by updating the electronic signage along the M4 continues this week. The eastbound carriageway will be fully closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, from Monday 20 March for 2 nights and on Friday 24 March.

The westbound carriageway will be fully closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, from Wednesday 22 March for 2 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A4.

A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A4.

M4 junctions 13 Chieveley to 14 Hungerford, West Berkshire: signage, drainage and bridge maintenance

Work to improve journeys by maintaining the road signs along the M4 starts this week. Lane closures will be in place on the westbound carriageway overnight, between 9pm and 6am, from Tuesday 21 March for 8 nights (Monday to Friday only).

Work to improve journeys by maintaining the drainage along the M4 near Welford starts this week. Lane closures will be in place on the eastbound carriageway overnight, between 9pm and 6am, from Friday 24 March for 11 nights (Monday to Friday only).

Work to replace the joints and waterproofing material to the bridge which carries the B4000 Ermin Street/Baydon Road over the M4 starts this week. Temporary traffic lights will be in place on the B4000 during day-time hours, from Monday 20 March for 6 weeks (Monday to Friday only).

In addition, the B4000 between The Long Yard/B4000 junction and the Five Bells Pub at Wickham will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, from Monday 20 March for 6 weeks (Monday to Friday only). A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A338, Hungerford, A4 and B4000.

M27 junctions 1 Cadnam to 2 Ower, Hampshire: road markings

Work to improve safety by renewing the road markings along the M27 continues week. A lane closure will be in place on the eastbound carriageway and exit slip road at junction 2 overnight, between 9pm and 6am, on Wednesday 22 March.

M27 junction 3 Southampton, Hampshire: road markings

Work to improve safety by renewing the road markings along the M27 continues week. The eastbound exit and entry slip roads at junction 3 will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, on Thursday 23 March. Clearly signed diversions will be in place via the next suitable junction.

M27 junction 4 Southampton, Hampshire: road markings

Work to improve safety by renewing the road markings along the M27 continues week. Lane closures will be in place on the eastbound carriageway overnight, between 9pm and 6am, on Friday 24 March.

M27 junction 5 Eastleigh, Hampshire: bridge joint

Work to maintain journeys by undertaking repairs to the joint which carries the M27 over Wide Lane takes place this week. Lanes 1 and 2 and the westbound exit slip road at junction 5 will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, on Tuesday 21 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 3 and returned.

M27 junctions 8 Bursledon to 9 Whiteley, Hampshire: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by resurfacing the M27 continues this week. The eastbound carriageway will be closed from junctions 8 to 9 overnight, between 10pm and 6am, from Monday 20 March for 3 nights, then again from Monday 27 March for 5 nights. The westbound carriageway from junctions 9 to 8 will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, from Thursday 23 March for 2 nights.

A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A27 for standard vehicles (e.g. motorcycles, cars), with HGVs being diverted via Botley, Curbridge and Swanwick due to a low bridge along the A27.

M27 junction 10 Wickham to 11 Fareham, Hampshire: road markings

Work to improve safety by renewing the road markings along the M27 continues week. Lane closures will be in place on the eastbound carriageway and the eastbound entry slip roads at junctions 10 and 11 overnight, between 9pm and 6am, on Saturday 25 March.

M271 Southampton, Hampshire: road markings

Work to maintain road user safety by renewing the road markings along the M271 continues place this week. The southbound links between the A3057 Romsey Road roundabout and the M27, between the M27 and Lordshill Roundabout and the southbound entry slip road at junction 1 will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A3057 Romsey Road and Brownhill Way.

M275 Portsmouth, Hampshire: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by resurfacing a section of the M275 northbound carriageway starts this week. The M275 northbound carriageway will be closed from the Rudmore Roundabout to the M27 overnight, between 10pm and 6am, from Wednesday 22 March for 3 nights.

A clearly signed diversion will be in place from the Rudmore Roundabout, north on the A3 Northern Parade to the Portsbridge Roundabout. Traffic for the A27 eastbound can then join the carriageway via the eastbound entry slip road; traffic for the M27 westbound will then be diverted along the A27 Western Road to join the M27 at junction 12.

Further works will then take place from 3 April.

A3(M) junctions 1 to 2 Horndean, Hampshire: signage

Work to improve journeys by maintaining the road signs along the A3(M) takes place this week. Lane closures will be in place on the southbound carriageway overnight, between 9pm and 6am, from Monday 20 March for 2 nights.

A3(M) junctions 3 Waterlooville to 4 Bedhampton, Hampshire: drainage

Work to improve journeys by maintaining the drainage along the A3(M) takes place this week. Lane closures will be in place on the north and southbound carriageways overnight, between 9pm and 6am, from Wednesday 22 March for 3 nights.

A3(M) junctions 5 to 4 Bedhampton, Hampshire: signage

Work to improve journeys by maintaining the road signs along the A3(M) takes place this week. The northbound entry slip road at junction 5, lane 1 of the northbound carriageway and the northbound exit slip road at junction 4 will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 6am, from Thursday 23 March for 3 nights (Monday to Friday only). Clearly signed diversions will be in place via adjacent junctions.

A3 Petersfield to A3(M) Cowplain, Hampshire: road markings

Work to improve safety by renewing the road markings along the A3 takes place this week. The southbound carriageway from the A272 Petersfield junction to the A3(M) junction 1 will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 6am, until Tuesday 21 March. Clearly signed diversions will be in place via the A272, A32, M27 and A3M for motorway permitted vehicles and via the A272, A32 and A3 for non-motorway vehicles.

A3 Longmoor, Hampshire to Hogs Back (A31), Surrey: road markings

Work to improve safety by renewing the road markings along the A3 continues this week. The A3 northbound carriageway from the Longmoor junction to the A31 Hogs Back will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 6am, from Thursday 23 March for 2 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A325 and A31.

A3 Compton to Shackleford, Surrey: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by resurfacing a section of the A3 southbound carriageway starts this week. The A3 southbound carriageway from the A31 Hog’s Back to the Milford interchange will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, until Wednesday 22 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A31 and A325.

A31 Ringwood to Picket Post, Hampshire: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by resurfacing a section of the A31 eastbound carriageway from Poulner Hill to Picket Post continues this week. The A31 eastbound carriageway will be fully closed from the A338 Ringwood Interchange to Stoney Cross overnight, between 10pm and 6am, until Wednesday 22 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A338, Salisbury and the A36.

A34 Tufton Warren to Sutton Scotney, Hampshire: drainage

Work to maintain safety by carrying out drainage maintenance continues this week. Lane closures will be in place on the southbound carriageway and the southbound entry slip road at Bullington Cross will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 6am, until Wednesday 22 March for 7 nights (Monday to Friday).

A34 Tufton Warren (Whitchurch), Hampshire: gap closure

Work to improve safety by closing the crossing gap in the central reserve of the A34 at Tufton Warren/Firgo Farm starts this week. Narrow lanes will be in place 24/7 on the north and southbound carriageways until Thursday 13 April. In addition lane 2 of the north and southbound carriageways will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 6am, until Thursday 13 April (Monday to Friday only).

A34 Tothill, Hampshire to Donnington (Newbury), West Berkshire: road markings and resurfacing

Work to improve safety by resurfacing the slip roads at the A4 Speen junction and renewing the road markings along the A34 continues this week. The A34 northbound carriageway will be closed from the B4640 at Tothill to the A339 Donnington Link at Newbury overnight, between 10pm and 6am, from Monday 20 March for 2 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via Newbury.

A34 Speen to Chieveley, West Berkshire: road markings

Work to improve safety by renewing the road markings along the A34 continues this week. The A34 northbound carriageway will be closed from the A4 Speen junction to Chieveley overnight, between 10pm and 6am, on Friday 24 March. Clearly signed diversions will be in place suitable for motorway permitted vehicles (via the M4 junction 14 and the A4) and non-motorway vehicles (via Hermitage and Newbury).

A34 Didcot, Oxfordshire: resurfacing

Work to improve road users journeys by resurfacing a section of the A34 southbound carriageway finishes this week. Lane 1 of the southbound carriageway and the southbound exit slip road at the A4185 Milton Interchange will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, on Monday 20 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the Chilton junction.

A34 Didcot to Abingdon, Oxfordshire: drainage

Work to maintain safety by carrying out drainage maintenance along the A34 continues this week. Lane closures will be in place on the northbound carriageway overnight, between 9pm and 6am, on Monday 20 March. Lane closures will then be in place on the southbound carriageway overnight, between 9pm and 6am, from Tuesday 21 March for 4 nights.

A34 Peartree to Kidlington (Oxford), Oxfordshire: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by resurfacing a section of the A34 northbound carriageway continues this week. The A34 northbound carriageway will be closed from the A44 Peartree interchange to Kidlington overnight, between 10pm to 6am, until Friday 7 April (Monday to Friday only). Clearly signed diversions will be in place via the A44, A40 M40 for motorway permitted vehicles and via the A44, A4095 and A41 for non-motorway vehicles.

A303 Thruxton, Hampshire to Shipton Bellinger, Wiltshire: drainage

Work to maintain safety by carrying out drainage maintenance continues this week. Lane closures will be in place on the west and eastbound carriageways overnight, between 9pm and 6am, until Friday 24 March.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

March 17, 2017 HM GovernmentHM GovernmentGB • Governmental • HM Government • political

Press release: Planned roadworks in Kent and Sussex: weekly summary for Monday 20 March to Sunday 26 March 2017

The following summary of planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week is correct as of 17 March but could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.

A2 Darenth to Bean, Kent: carriageway resurfacing

Work to improve journeys take place this week on the A2. There will be a full closure between the Darenth A282 junction and the Bean B255 junction on Sunday 26 March overnight between 10pm and 6am. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M25 Junction 1a, A206 and B255.

A2 Gravesend, Kent: carriageway resurfacing

Work to improve journeys continue this week on the A2 between Hall Road junction and the B255 Bean junction. There will be lane closures in place on the westbound carriageway between Pepperhill & Bean on Monday 20 March for 5 nights between 8pm and 6am. There will also be a westbound entry slip closure from the A2260 at Ebbsfleet. Traffic will be diverted via the next junction of the A2. Works are scheduled to be complete by the end of March 2017.

A2 Canterbury, Kent: carriageway resurfacing

Work to improve journeys takes place this week on the A2. There will be a full eastbound carriageway closure between Upper Harbledown and Patrixbourne on Wednesday 22 March overnight between 8pm and 6am. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A2050.

A2 Upper Harbledown, Kent: carriageway resurfacing

Works to improve journeys take place this week on the A2. There will be a full closure on the eastbound carriageway between Brenley and A28 Wincheap on Thursday 23 March overnight between 8pm and 6am. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A299 and A256.

A2 Dover, Kent: carriageway works

Works to improve safety take place this week on the A2 Jubilee Way. There will be a full closure southbound from 12pm on Saturday 25 March until 12pm on Sunday 26 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A256.

A20 Dover, Kent: street lighting works

Works to improve journeys take place this week on the A20 between York Street and Limekiln roundabout. There will be lane 2 closures in both directions on Monday 20 March for 5 days between 7am & 6pm. Works are scheduled to be complete by the end of March.

A21 Tonbridge to Pembury, Kent: major improvement

Work to improve journeys on the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury continues this week. A 40mph speed limit remains in place 24/7 between the Vauxhall interchange and the A228.

A full closure will be in place overnight between 8pm and 6am on Thursday 23 March on the southbound carriageway between Quarry Hill and Pembury interchage and on the northbound carriageway between Pembury interchage and Vauxhall interchange. In addition Longfield Road will be closed in both directions between Longfield roundabout and Knights Park roundabout. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A26, A2014, A26 and the A228.

Two way traffic lights will be in place on the A21 overnight between 8pm and 6am from Monday 20 March for three nights and overnight on Friday 24 March.

Tonbridge Road will remain closed after Pembury Hospital up to and including Longfield Road roundabout until Spring 2017. A clearly signed diversion route will be in place via the A228 and the A21.

The scheme is due to be completed in Summer 2017. For further information, visit the scheme website.

A27 Portslade, Brighton: tunnel inspections

Work to improve journeys by undertaking routine tunnel inspections take place this week. The Southwick tunnel will be closed in both directions overnight on Friday 24 March for two nights between 8pm and 6am. A clearly signed signed diversion will be in place via the A270 and A293.

M20 junctions 3 – 5, Kent: smart motorway surveys

Work to improve journeys continue this week on the M20 between junctions 3 & 5. There will be various lane closures in both directions on Monday 20 March for 5 nights between 8pm and 6am. Surveys are scheduled to be complete in April 2017.

M20 junctions 4 – 6, Kent: resurfacing

Work to improve journeys begin this week on the M20 between junctions 5 & 6. There will be a full closure of the westbound carriageway between junctions 6 & 5 on Monday 20 March for 7 nights between 8pm and 6am. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A229 and the A228. Works are expected to be complete by the end of May 2017.

M23 Junctions 8 – 10a, South Nutfield to Crawley: smart motorway surveys

Work to improve journeys continue this week on the M23 between junctions 8 & 10a. There will be various lane closures in both directions overnight on Monday 20 March for 5 nights between 8pm and 6am. Surveys are scheduled to be complete in April 2017.

A23 West Sussex: vegetation clearance

Work to improve journeys take place this week on the A23 between Pease Pottage and Patcham. There will be various slip road closures in both directions on Monday 20 March for 5 nights between 8pm and 6am. Traffic will be diverted via the next junction. Works are scheduled to be completed by the end of April.

A249 Sheppey, Kent: installation of cameras

Work to improve safety take place this week on the A249. There will be lane closures in both directions between Cowstead corner and the Grovehurst junction on Monday 20 March for 2 days between 9am and 4pm. Works are scheduled to be complete by the end of March.

A249 Sheppey, Kent: carriageway works

Work to improve safety take place this week on the A249 by renewing white lining and road studs. There will be a full soutbound closure on Wednesday 22 March overnight between 8pm and 6am. There will be a clearly signed diversion via Sheppey Way. There will be a full northbound closure on Thursday 23 March overnight between 8pm and 6am. There will be a clearly signed diversion via Sheppey Way.

A2070 Park Farm, Kent: carriageway improvements

Work to improve safety take place this week on the A2070 between Ashford Road, and Bad Munsteriefel Road. There will be a full closure in both directions on Monday 20 March for 3 nights between 8pm and 6am. A cleary signed diversion will be in place via Hamstreet Road/Ashford Road, and the A2041. Works are expected to be complete by the end of March 2017.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

March 17, 2017 HM GovernmentHM GovernmentGB • Governmental • HM Government • political