The Highways Agency has published its annual Business Plan for 2009-10, describing in detail how it plans to continue to improve England's strategic road network.

Up to £6 billion programme of investment in England's road network was announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) in January - the Agency will now pursue a vigorous programme of improvement and investment in an efficient, economically controlled, and sustainable manner.

This financial year the Agency aims to start construction work on six major road schemes: M25 widening junctions 16-23 and also junctions 27-30, Hard Shoulder Running on M6 junction 8-10a, A14 Felixstowe to M1 traffic management technology improvements, Hard Shoulder Running on M1 junction 10-13, and also on M4 junction 19-20 and M5 junction 15-17.

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As well as this the Agency is bringing forward work valued at £400m as part of the Government's Fiscal Stimulus measures. This includes starting construction work in April on the A46 Newark to Widmerpool scheme three years ahead of the original timetable, as well as making a start on the managed motorways programme, and a substantial programme of asset renewal work.

Graham Dalton, Highways Agency Chief Executive, said: "We now have a defined major roads programme for 2009-10 and beyond, which includes rolling out the innovative Hard Shoulder Running and Active Traffic Management schemes on key sections of our motorway network. This, in conjunction with conventional road improvement schemes, will deliver greater benefits for managing and operating the road network, making journeys more reliable and safer.

"The Agency is going to be delivering more efficiently and obtaining greater results with our resources, and working closely with our suppliers. Our investment, use of technology and innovation will ensure the strategic road network is more sustainable, and supports the economy as well as the day to day commuter."

(CD/JM)