Highways England today has met with suppliers to set out how £2.2bn of government investment to improve the capacity and condition of roads in the South East will be delivered.

The investment will see improvements and repairs along a series of motorways and A roads between now and 2021, giving road users simpler, faster and more reliable journeys.

The work is part of the government’s ‘Road Investment Strategy’ to triple levels of spending

Work will start on 24 new major projects by 2020, in addition to upgrades already under way on the M3, A21 and M25 at junction 30, cutting congestion and improving journey times for drivers.

Maintaining the existing network is also top priority, with £200m being invested in maintenance this year alone. More than 18,716 metres of safety barrier and fencing will be replaced or maintained along with nearly 7,070 road lights.

Roads Minister Andrew Jones said: “Roads are key to our nation’s prosperity. For too long they have suffered from under investment. The government has a long-term plan to secure the country’s economic future. This £2.2bn investment in the region’s roads will directly benefit hardworking families across the South East.”