AN extra lane is to be added to the A3 in both directions through Guildford in a move that could have knock-on benefits for the A31 Hogs Back.

Highways England has announced a total £2.2 billion investment in the south east’s road network over the next two funding periods, spanning 2015 to 2025.

Widening of the A3 in Guildford between the A31 and the A3/A320 Stoke Road junctions is scheduled to take place between 2020 and 2025.

It is hoped the extra lanes will provide additional capacity and safety improvements, reducing the risk of tailbacks on the A31 Hogs Back towards Farnham.

Highways England met with suppliers last Thursday to set out how the improvements will be delivered.

As well the A3 works, the government’s investment will see improvements and repairs along a series of motorways and ‘A’ roads between now and 2021, giving road users simpler, faster and more reliable journeys and boosting the area’s economy.

Other schemes in the plan include improvements on the M20, M25, M27, M4, A2, A3, A21, A27, A31 and A37, adding those those currently taking place on the M3, A21 and M25 at junction 30. The work is part of the Government’s “Road Investment Strategy” to triple levels of spending on roads by the end of the decade, which was announced last year.

In addition to 150 miles of extra lanes, £200 million is being invested in maintenance this year alone. More than 17,000 yards of safety barrier and fencing will be replaced or maintained along with nearly 7,070 road lights. Ninety-one out of 171 road signs will also be replaced.

And Highways England is targeting a 40 per cent reduction in road casualties by 2020.

Government roads minister Andrew Jones said: “Roads are key to our nation’s prosperity. For too long they have suffered from under-investment.

“The Government has a long-term plan to secure the country’s economic future. This £2.2 billion investment in the region’s roads will directly benefit hardworking families across the South East.”

Simon Jones, south east regional director at Highways England, added: “Around 8.7 million people live and work in South East England, more than any other region, and our 932 miles of major roads are some of the busiest in Europe.

“The M25 alone is used to make an estimated one million journeys every day. The region’s motorways and dual carriageways are vital for our economy and this huge investment will ensure they remain fit for purpose for many years to come.”