The map reveals government plans to expand motorways (Picture: Highways Agency)

New ‘mile a minute’ expressways are being planned in a huge expansion of the motorway network.

The roads are part of a £15billion overhaul of the nation’s highways being planned by the government.

Up to 18 busy A-roads will be revamped, with roundabouts and traffic lights stripped out, to cut delays.

The idea is to cut congestion (Picture: Peter Nicholls/Reuters)

There will also be up to 400 miles of ‘smart motorways’ where hard shoulders are used at peak times to reduce jams.


Details have been presented Highways Agency presented to Parliament and also include new slip roads to make the traffic flow and banning slow moving vehicles such as tractors and bicycles.



The strategy document says: ‘Our ambition for the next 25 years is to revolutionise our roads.

Patrick McLoughlin says the plans are biggest upgrade in generation (Picture: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

’Our busiest A-Roads will become expressways, providing improved standards of performance, with technology to manage traffic and mile-a-minute speeds.

‘Users of motorways know they can expect a broadly consistent standard from the whole of their road, and that this ensures they have a safe, free-moving journey.’

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said ‘we are investing £15billion in the biggest upgrade to England’s strategic roads in a generation’.