Long stretches of roadworks could be banned from motorways and major A-roads in England under new government plans to slash congestion.

Highways bosses have been asked to limit roadworks to stretches of two miles at a time.

And that could be good news for drivers using the trans-Pennine M62 motorway.

Ambitious plans to upgrade the busy M62 motorway were confirmed in July. The M62 through Huddersfield will become a “smart” motorway over the next five years with the aim of reducing congestion.

But the work is likely to mean delays for tens of thousands of drivers travelling the 19 miles between junctions 20 at Rochdale and 25 at Brighouse on the M62 every day will be they could face 50mph speed limits for around two to three years due to the work on the project.

That will see the introduction of an extra lane at busy times by using the hard shoulder, and variable speed limits.

The new two-mile initiative is intended to combat congestion which can choke some of England’s busiest motorways.

Drivers using the M1 have endured years of frustration as five sets of roadworks spanning 100 miles have disrupted travel along the main north-south corridor.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has told Highways England to enforce new rules to help drivers cope while a £15 billion road investment plan is put into action.

Traffic on the M62 near Huddersfield
Traffic on the M62 near Huddersfield

He has also asked that drivers be better informed of when roadworks are planned for so they can plan alternative routes.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “Our road investment strategy will deliver the biggest upgrade to Britain’s roads in a generation and secure our transport network for the long-term.

“But as it is delivered we’ve got to respect the drivers who use our roads every day. That means taking common-sense decisions to minimise frustrations wherever possible.”

The move suggests engineers will carry out improvements on smaller stretches rather than in large chunks.

A Highways England spokesman said: “We want to provide a better, safer experience for road users on England’s motorways and major A roads, including throughout roadworks where major upgrades are being carried out.

“We are committed to minimising disruption from roadworks even further and are exploring managing work in different ways while ensuring good value for money for the public.”