Plans are to go on display for a series of major road improvements in South East England.

The projects are part of the Government's £15 billion roads investment and will be carried out by Highways England for the M25, M271, A2, A27 and A31.

The schemes are worth up to £605 million and aim to reduce congestion, improve safety and boost the economy.

Public consultations will take place over the next few months to gather residents' and motorists' opinions on the developments.

Details of the projects include:


• Junction and A27 upgrades between Lewes and Polegate

• Three major junction upgrades on the M25, at junction 10 in Surrey, junction 25 in Hertfordshire and junction 28 in Essex

• Widening the A31 near Ringwood in Dorset

• Further junction upgrades linked to local grown plans on the M271 near Southampton and the A2 in Kent

Regional Director for Major Projects in the South East, Ken Simmonds, said: "These improvements, which are being made possible by the Government's record £15 billion investment in major roads, will help drivers who make up the 237 million journeys on these sections of road every year. Each scheme has been developed by working with local partners and now you can have your say. I encourage anyone with an interest in these roads – whether they drive on them, live near them or depend on them for trade – to get involved and give us their views."

The first consultation, discussing the £75m A27 scheme between Lewes and Polegate, is due to begin on Thursday, 27 October.

(LM/MH)