United Kingdom – The Highways Agency has awarded the contract to Carillion/Halcrow for major improvement works at the junction of the M25 and the A12 (Brook Street Interchange) near Brentwood, Essex. The £9.32 million scheme will increase capacity at the junction for both local and long distance drivers.

The works will commence in 2007 and will involve:

• widening of the slip roads on the approaches to the roundabout
• provision of a dedicated left turn lane between the M25 clockwise exit slip road and the A12 north east entry slip road
• addition of a1km extended merge lane from the A12 north east entry slip road along the A12 north east.

Roads Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman said:
"I welcome these improvements which will help reduce traffic congestion at this important junction on the M25, one of our busiest motorways."

Highways Agency project leader, Julia Wassell, said:
"The improvements to the interchange will reduce congestion in the area, making journeys more reliable for road users. The work is due to start spring 2007 and be completed by early 2008."

The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. It manages, maintains and improves England’s motorways and trunk roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.