Drivers are set to see smoother Easter getaways as National Highways lifts more than a thousand miles of roadworks for the bank holiday.

Around 97.5% of major roads across England will be completely free from roadworks

Around 97.5% of major roads across England will be completely free from roadworks, speeding up journey times as drivers make the most of the long weekend.

Significant routes to benefit from roadworks being lifted or completed in time for the Easter getaway include:

• Over 130 miles of roadworks on the M25
• More than 100 miles on the M1 between London and Chesterfield
• More than 70 miles on the A27 between Polegate, East Sussex and Havant, Hampshire
• 49 miles on the A34 between Oxford and Winchester
• Almost 50 miles on the M27 between Southampton and Portsmouth
• Over 45 miles on the M4 between Hayes and Hungerford
• 44 miles on the M2 between Rochester and Faversham
• 37 miles on the A303 near Andover
• 31 miles on the A47 between Great Yarmouth and Peterborough

Many drivers are already seeing faster journeys on motorways, as over 270 miles of roadworks have recently been lifted following National Highways completing its National Emergency Area Retrofit programme last month, which saw roadworks on the M1, M3, M4, M5, M20, M25 and M27 lifted.

Research by the AA indicates that this year’s late Easter, combined with hopes of warmer weather, will bump up bank holiday traffic by 15%. Last year, when Easter fell at the end of March, 16.8 million made plans to drive on the Friday and 15.8 on the Monday. This year, 19.1 million and 18.1 million respectively say they will take to the road.

National Highways is reminding drivers to properly prepare for Easter travel by relaunching its ‘TRIP’ campaign, encouraging drivers to ‘Top-up, Rest, Inspect, Prepare’. The guidance aims to prevent breakdowns which can lead to delays and unexpected costs.

Andrew Butterfield, National Highways’ director of operational services, said: “We expect the roads to be busy with people looking to make the most of a long Easter weekend. That’s why we are making journeys easier by removing a huge number of roadworks.

“Drivers should also take time to plan ahead. Two of the top three causes of breakdowns are tyre issues and empty fuel tanks. You can help prevent any breakdowns by following our advice: top up your fuel, oil and screenwash, plan your journey, check your tyres and prepare for all weather conditions.”