If you’re heading out this Easter bank holiday weekend then you may want to bear in mind that the UK is expected to be bustling with traffic – here’s how to avoid the worst of the delays
The Easter Bank Holiday is anticipated to be amongst the busiest travel periods of the year, with traffic volumes expected to match the 19 million car journeys witnessed on UK roads over the holiday period last year.
Popular tourist hotspots are set to experience particularly severe congestion, where touring caravans and packed roads can generate additional strain for motorists.
To assist travellers hoping to escape the bank holiday traffic this weekend, Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options, has provided his expert guidance on dodging the traffic at the UK’s biggest congestion blackspots, and reaching your destination stress-free and punctually.
There are seven locations in particular that you need to be mindful of. These experience notably hectic periods at peak times, and it may be preferable to determine if you can navigate around them.
Transport for London (TfL) confirms that the A40 is completely closed in both directions at all times between the Westway roundabout and Marylebone Flyover since March 20 until late April, indicating that the closure will remain in effect throughout the Easter bank holiday.
With hold-ups and alternative routes in operation, the local roads surrounding the A40 are predicted to be exceptionally congested. The most significant Scottish delay anticipated over the bank holiday weekend is on the A9 south of Blair Atholl.
Traffic Scotland confirms that from the evening of April 2 until the morning of April 15, the stretch from River Garry to Shierglas will have temporary traffic lights in operation at all times, alongside a 10mph convoy system overnight and a 30mph restriction outside working hours.
The A487 at Commins Coch near Aberystwyth, Wales, is amongst the longest-running improvement schemes currently underway in the country, with temporary traffic lights expected to remain in place until June 23, making it the most noteworthy set of Welsh roadworks to be aware of.
National Highways confirms the A52 is currently operating as a 24/7 one-way system for eastbound traffic between Priory and QMC roundabouts, with additional overnight full closures on March 30 to April 1 and again from April 7 to 10. For those considering travelling through Nottingham city centre during this time, delays could prove lengthier than anticipated, reports the Express.
National Highways also warns that the A1 northbound between Barnsdale Bar and Ferrybridge will be shut overnight on Saturday, April 5, from 8pm to 6am, with signed diversions in place, causing holdups for anyone with bank holiday travel plans across the Yorkshire region.
TfL has confirmed that the entire Gallows Corner junction, encompassing both the roundabout and flyover, will remain shut until the end of April, with only emergency vehicles, black cabs, and TfL buses permitted through. Consequently, local roads are anticipated to experience lengthy queues and considerable delays.
The A30 Rawridge Hill holdups represent the most pressing concern for the South West. National Highways has confirmed an eastbound lane closure round the clock until April 17, with two-way signals, and an overnight full closure Monday to Saturday, 8pm-6am, between Honiton and the A30/A303 junction from March 16 to April 17.
The simplest and most straightforward way to steer clear of traffic this bank holiday is to travel outside of peak hours. Mike said: “If you can, aim to travel before 11am or after 7pm. Midday through late afternoon is often when bank holiday leisure traffic stacks up most. Since traffic can build throughout the day, it is better to try to leave earlier in the morning.”
It’s also worth downloading live traffic apps ahead of your journey. Mike added: “Apps such as Waze and Google Maps are useful because they can reroute you around live congestion, collisions and sudden delays. They are especially handy on Easter weekends, when traffic can build quickly around holiday hotspots even if there is no full closure in place.”
His third piece of advice is to have an alternative route prepared. Mike said: “If you are heading somewhere busy, it helps to know your main alternatives before you set off. Official traffic sites in Scotland and Wales both offer route planning and live disruption updates, which can help you decide whether to stick with your planned route or divert before you get stuck in a queue.”
