Highways England has announced the launch of its new £2.2 billion roads plan that will deliver far-reaching improvements to the transport network across the south-east of England.

The project forms part of the government's ongoing Roads Investment Strategy and will aim to improve both the capacity and condition of carriageways across the region.

A total of 24 major road enhancement schemes have currently been earmarked to get underway across the south-east by 2020, with major developments already underway on the M3, A21 and M25.

Overall, each of these upcoming schemes will be carried out in collaboration with Local Enterprise Partnerships and aim to deliver a vast economic impact for the region as a whole.

A range of route strategies are now in the pipeline for carriageways across the region, with all local partners and major stakeholders being fully informed of plans before they are put into motion.

The delivery of these far-reaching transport network improvements will lie at the heart of bolstering local economies across the region in the years ahead, delivering improved journey times for travellers and tackling a range of issues surrounding increased car usage and an ageing roads network.

Enhancing safety is also a top priority as part of the government's investment in south-east roads, with the aim that road casualty numbers be reduced by as much as 40 per cent per year by the end of the decade.

As part of these efforts, Highways England will be installing more than 18,000 metres of improved safety barriers and fencing along roads in the area over the coming years, while around 7,000 road lights are to be upgraded.

Simon Jones, south-east regional director at Highways England, said: "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. We're delivering £2.2 billion investment in improvements to the south-east's motorways and major A roads over the next five years.

"That includes nearly 150 miles of extra lanes, new junctions and measures to tackle congestion, benefiting businesses, local residents and road users, as well as delivering a fourfold return on investment for the UK economy.

"It's vital that we continue to improve the existing road network as well, which is why we're investing over £200 million this year alone in resurfacing, improving technology and safety measures and other maintenance projects."

A full breakdown of the projects earmarked for completion across the south-east can be found by visiting the Highways England website, but here are just some of the standout developments that will enhance travel options for road users in the years ahead:

• The introduction of a 'smart motorways' system for travellers on the M20 near Maidstone.
• Upgrades to the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury to tackle congestion.
• Expansion of the M25 to five lanes between the M40 and Chertsey.
• Improvements to the A34 between the M4 and M40.
• Improved access to the A12 and A3 from the M25.

Outlining his aims for this major investment for enhanced transport capacity across the south-east in the years to come, roads minister Andrew Jones stated: "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 hard working families across the south-east."