Record Roadwork Delays Set to Disrupt Bank Holiday Travel

As the August bank holiday approaches, motorists in England are bracing for potentially severe travel disruptions. Official data analysis reveals that roadworks on motorways are currently at their most disruptive level in nine years, threatening to cause significant delays for millions of travelers.

National Highways reports that a third of roadwork projects in 2024 are classified as having a "moderate" or "severe" impact on traffic, resulting in delays of 10 minutes or more. This matches the 32 percent recorded in 2023, marking the highest level since current records began in 2015. Despite a decrease in the total number of works on motorways and major A-roads, averaging 484 per week this year, the number of highly disruptive works has increased to its second-highest level since the pandemic.

The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) estimates that 19.2 million leisure trips will be made across the UK between August 23 and August 26, 2024. This figure represents the highest number of trips since 2016, highlighting the potential for significant congestion. Transport analytics company Inrix warns that the worst traffic jams are likely to occur between 10am and 6pm on Friday, and 10am to 1pm on Saturday.

To mitigate the impact, National Highways aims to complete or lift approximately 500 miles of roadworks by 6am on Friday. However, this measure may only provide short-term relief as other road upgrade projects continue.

"We are working to keep people moving by lifting and completing roadworks where possible. However, some essential works will remain in place for safety reasons."

Special attention is being given to the M56 and M6 in north-west England due to the Creamfields festival in Cheshire, which is expected to attract up to 70,000 music fans. Extra police and traffic officers will be deployed to manage traffic and prevent pedestrians from walking on the motorway, an issue that has occurred in previous years.

The Port of Dover anticipates over 20,000 cars passing through during the bank holiday period. Meanwhile, the travel trade organization Abta estimates that more than two million people will be heading overseas, with popular destinations including Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey.

It's worth noting that the UK's road network has come a long way since the first motorway opened in 1958. Today, the country boasts over 262,300 miles of roads, including 2,173 miles of motorways. The M6, stretching 232 miles, holds the title of the longest motorway in the UK.

As travelers prepare for their journeys, it's important to remember that the average UK driver spends 124 hours a year in traffic jams. With this in mind, careful planning and patience will be essential for those embarking on bank holiday trips this weekend.