The final beam lift for a scheme to improve junction 28 of the M25 near Brentwood is set to take place this month.

This is a key construction activity in the National Highways infrastructure project that has been underway since the start of 2024.

Despite the winter weather, progress on the scheme has continued at a steady pace, with the next major task being to lift beams for Duckwood Bridge.

At peak times up to 7,500 vehicles use the junction's roundabout, according to National Highways.

The improvements aim to increase capacity, reduce congestion, and enhance connectivity between the M25 and A12.

National Highways says more than 9,000 vehicles could be passing through the junction on a daily basis by 2037.

The M25 junction 28 improvements will particularly focus on four key structures - Duckwood Bridge, Maylands Bridge, Grove Bridge, and Alderwood Bridge.

Beams have already been lifted on Maylands Bridge, Grove Bridge, and Alderwood Bridge, with temporary trestles now in place ready for the beams at Duckwood Bridge.

The complex operation involves lifting several steel girders into place in pairs for Duckwood Bridge using a 1000 tonne crane.

This is the largest beam lift for the project, as the bridge measures 56 metres in length and 16 metres in width, and therefore requires the biggest capacity crane.

The beams, which measure between 15 and 40 metres in length and weigh up to 113 tonnes, will be hoisted onto concrete supports called abutments.

They are expected to be transported and installed later this month.

The government-owned company, National Highways, is tasked with the modernisation, preservation and operation of England’s motorways and significant A roads.

A spokesperson said: "Since the start of 2024 the M25 junction 28 team have had to navigate around the winter weather, but it has not dampened progress being made across the scheme, as the project gear up to some key construction activities coming up this year."

For up-to-the-minute traffic information for England's motorways and major A roads, visit trafficengland.com, or go to their X page, @NationalHways.