The £90.4 million Highways Agency scheme to refurbish the Bell Common Tunnel in between junctions 26 and 27 of the M25 near Epping will start in October and is due to be completed in March 2010.

The major refurbishment of the tunnel, which was constructed in 1983, includes the replacement of mechanical, electrical and fire safety equipment. The ventilation system will be upgraded and new monitoring equipment will be installed and linked to new control systems in the Highways Agency's Regional Control Centre at South Mimms.

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Highways Agency Project Manager Eamonn Colgan said: "Once completed, the refurbishment will fully upgrade the equipment in the tunnel bringing it in line with new European Standards, meaning improved safety for road users. The new monitoring equipment will also help us to spot and respond more quickly to incidents, set motorway electronic signs and inform other motorists.

"On average 120,000 vehicles travel through the tunnel every day and as part of our commitment to limit delays while carrying out road works and improvements, we will be working 24 hours a day, seven days a week so that we can complete the whole scheme in less time."

(CD/NS)