UPDATE: |Over 1,000 miles of roadworks in England to be halted from Thursday to ease Easter congestion News

Around 19.1 million people are expected to hit the road on Good Friday alone

More than 1,000 miles of roadworks across England will be lifted from Thursday morning in order to ease congestion for motorists over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

The AA anticipate that 19.1 million people will hit the roads on Good Friday alone, with many people looking to get away for the long weekend.

A survey of AA members found that around 18.5 million people are expected to drive on Easter Saturday, while roughly 18.2 million are scheduled to get behind the wheel on each of Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

This year’s predicted peak in traffic can be expected because of the fact that Easter weekend falls three weeks later than it did in 2024.

Now, National Highways have announced that they will remove roadworks from 1,127 miles of motorways and major A roads by 6am on Thursday, meaning 97.5% of its network will be free of traffic cones.

They will not be reinstated until after Easter Monday.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Cutting journey times and saving drivers money every year is all part of our Plan for Change to raise living standards and put more money in people’s pockets.

“We are tackling the real problems that drivers face by lifting 1,127 miles of roadworks over Easter and cracking down on disruptive streetworks to make journeys to see loved ones as smooth as possible,” she continued.

“This Government is also saving drivers up to £500 a year, with councils soon to receive their record £1.6 billion pothole funding and the continued freeze on fuel duty.”

National Highways director of operational services Andrew Butterfield added: “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.”

He continued: “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.”

Despite the lifting of roadworks, the AA are advising motorists to prepare for congestion around town and city centres, retail parks and major routes such as the M6 at Birmingham and around the Blackpool area, the south and western section of the M25 between the M23 and M40, the M5 at Bristol and the A303 in Wiltshire.