National Highways has completed the £6.4m upgrade to the A30 Crooked Billet roundabout near Staines-upon-Thames.

The government-owned company said the ‘transformation' of the junction has made it safer and easier for drivers, making the layout more intuitive and reducing the need to change lanes, while pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit, with more than 700 metres of new lanes.

Aerial view of the new improvements at the A30 Crooked Billet roundabout

In November, National Highways said it had completed work at the junction, allowing it to fully remove the traffic management, but said it would return to the junction before spring 2022 to plant new trees on the two centre islands.

Project manager Matt Feather said: ‘This upgrade has made a real difference at the A30 Crooked Billet junction, making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists and making journeys better for the drivers who use it.

‘Over 20,000 vehicles use the junction every day at peak times. Our improvements will increase traffic capacity and cut the risk of accidents, which will improve people's journeys and boost the economy.'

Connect Plus Chief Executive Andy Dean said: ‘This was a particularly complex project with added challenges brought by the pandemic. The success of the delivery is owed to the hard work and dedication of the collective team, working collaboratively across National Highways, Connect Plus, Connect Plus Services, R&W and the wider supply chain partners.'

The scheme saw the east and westbound carriageway markings realigned, with the previous four narrow lanes becoming three wider lanes through the centre of the roundabout in both directions.

National Highways said this removes the underused fourth lane while matching the three existing lanes on the approaches to the junction to reduce unnecessary weaving and lane changing.

The eastbound carriageway approach has also been widened for a short section where the road bends left to enter the roundabout, providing two dedicated lanes which were previously of sub-standard width. 

Improvements and renovation work under the scheme also included:

  • upgraded traffic signals and new signs to reflect the new road layout.
  • Introduction of a new signal control system to improve the operation and efficiency of the junction
  • improved street lighting by replacing the existing lamps LED
  • a new surface-level route across the roundabout with new crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, providing a safer and more direct link for both groups
  • upgraded pedestrian and cycle routes to improve access between Staines-upon-Thames, Hounslow and Heathrow Airport (delivered in partnership with Surrey County Council)
  • an updated and renovated drainage system.

The scheme is part of National Highways' M25 junction improvement programme, which covers eight key junctions around the orbital motorway.