MORE than 1,000 miles of roadworks are set to be removed ahead of the big Christmas getaway.

National Highways said it is working round the clock to give motorists an early gift by taking out the works, in a bid to ease congestion over the festive period.

The move means more than 98 per cent of motorways and major A-roads will be roadworks-free in time for those travelling to see loved ones or making other journeys for Christmas, the firm said.

The roadworks will be removed from 6am on Tuesday, December 19, until 12.01am on Tuesday, January 2.

Notable routes to benefit from roadworks being lifted for the festive period include:

• The M4 between junctions 13 and 12 (near Newbury) with more than 27 miles of roadworks removed for drivers
• The A3 in Hindhead with more than nine miles of roadworks completed ahead of the festive getaway
• The M27 between junctions 2 and 3 (near Southampton) with more than 13 miles of roadworks completed before Christmas
• The A1 from A47 Wansford to Stibbington (near Peterborough) with five miles of roadworks lifted
• And five miles of roadworks will be lifted on the M1 between junctions 21 to 22 (near Leicester) to help motorists enjoy hassle-free journeys.

National Highways customer service director, Andrew Butterfield, said: ”December is an incredibly busy period which is why we’re improving journeys for motorists by keeping 98 per cent of the roads we manage free from roadworks over Christmas.

“We know from experience that peak travel times can vary at this time of year, so it’s really important that drivers check traffic conditions before heading out to help keep traffic flowing.”

Minister for Roads, Guy Opperman (Con, Hexham), added: “We’re on the side of drivers, which is why National Highways is lifting hundreds of miles of roadworks to make sure everyone’s festive getaway is as smooth as possible, improving journey times and helping people get from A to B easier.”