Roadworks removed as millions go on holidays

Nine out of 10 sets of roadworks along the country's motorways were being lifted today as millions of commuters make their Easter holiday getaways.

The Highways Agency has pledged to remove as many roadworks as possible without making the motorways dangerous in a bid to keep routes clear for the expected increase in traffic as thousands travel away for the holidays.

Airports and train companies are also preparing for a surge in passenger numbers over the Easter holiday period.

On the roads around 700 miles of works have been completed before the Easter weekend and 66 miles of projects will be suspended from today until Tuesday.

Roads minister Mike Penning said: "For the Easter bank holiday weekend, we are completing or lifting more than 90 per cent of roadworks on motorways and trunk roads in England. This means that almost 99 per cent of the strategic road network will be clear of roadworks over the bank holiday period."

Rail passengers are being warned they face some disruption on Easter Monday over engineering work. The 10.45pm Wolverhampton to London Euston will be diverted.

Roadworks the Highways Agency promised to complete before Easter:

M5 J3 – Upgrading traffic signals

M5 J3-2 – Installing accoustic fencing

M5 J3-4A – Central barrier replacement

M6 J14-13 – Resurfacing