The plans to widen the Epping junction of the M25 from three lanes to four moved one step closer today.

The ambitious 30-year contract to widen the Motorway between junction 27 near Epping and junction 30 near Aveley was given the go ahead by the Highways Agency.

The £6.2 billion contract was won by the "Connect Plus" consortium which includes engineering giants Atkins and Balfour Beatty.

Transport Minister Lord Andrew Adonis said: "Today marks a major step forward in increasing the capacity of the M25."

"The widening schemes, combined with the maintenance and operation of the M25 network for the next 30 years, will reduce congestion, improve journey time reliability and safety and bring benefits to road users."

Work is due to be finished by 2012.

Will you be affected by the scheme? Contact our newsdesk at ijensen@london.newsquest.co.uk