Work to improve journeys for hundreds of thousands of drivers using one of the busiest junctions on the M25 has been given the green light.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps gave the formal go-ahead today (May 16) for National Highways to begin work to deliver improvements at junction 28.

National Highways says its plans will reduce traffic jams, and lead to "smoother and safer journeys".

Junction 28 in Essex plays a vital role in connecting the M25 with the A12, as well as providing local access to Brentwood and the A1023 Brook Street.

However, it suffers from long queues and heavy congestion daily. At peak times, up to 7,500 vehicles per hour pass through this heavily used junction.

The approved project will improve flow of traffic and allow more capacity on the exit slip roads, and National Highways says there will also be "less likelihood" of traffic queuing back onto the M25 due to the reconfiguration of the junction.

National Highways regional delivery director, Chris Welby-Everard, said: "Our proposals to improve the M25 at junction 28 are good for business and jobs, good for road safety and good for the environment, making journeys safer and more reliable.

"We have listened carefully to the views of all stakeholders and are delighted with today’s announcement."

Work at the junction is expected to start in Autumn 2022.