ALMOST 400 miles of Highways Agency roadworks will be lifted over Christmas and New Year to help festive journeys go smoothly.

The agency aims to complete or lift 156 schemes by Tuesday, December 23 – leaving 97 per cent of its 9,628-mile network free of roadworks in time for the holidays.

In Worcestershire the installation of fog detectors on a 2.4-mile stretch of the M5 around junction 4a, near to Bromsgrove, have been completed in time for the Christmas rush.

Simon Sheldon-Wilson, director of customer operations at the Highways Agency, said: “This Christmas we’re helping road users make important journeys to see family and friends by clearing roadworks across the majority of motorways and major A-roads in England.

“This will be a great help to people travelling over the festive period – by lifting or completing roadworks, more lanes will be open and many of the associated speed restrictions will also be lifted.

“We advise drivers to plan longer journeys before setting out, making sure you check weather and travel conditions.

“It’s also worth packing an emergency winter kit in your boot before making any seasonal journeys this Christmas.

“Make sure you’ve got de-icer, an ice-scraper, warm clothes, boots and a torch, in case your vehicle breaks down.”