The Highways Agency has awarded the M25 Design Build Finance and Operate (DBFO) contract for the future development, operation and maintenance of the M25 motorway.

The contract worth £6.2 billion has been awarded to the private sector consortium Connect Plus.

Under the contract the M25 will be widened to four lanes between Junctions 16 and 23 and between Junctions 27 and 30, and the Hatfield Tunnel on the A1(M) will be refurbished. The contract also includes operation and maintenance of the M25 and the Dartford Crossing for a 30 year period.


Transport Minister Andrew Adonis said: "This marks a major step forward in increasing the capacity of the M25.

"The widening schemes, combined with the maintenance and operation of the M25 network for the next 30 years, will reduce congestion, improve journey time reliability and safety and bring benefits to road users."

Up to 200,000 vehicles a day use the sections of the M25 that will be widened. The work is being phased to reduce the impact on road users and keep as many lanes open as possible. Work on both sections is due to be completed before the 2012 Olympics.

(CD/JM)