A ROAD widening plan which would cause traffic chaos for drivers on part of the M25 has moved a step closer with the awarding of a £138 million Highways Agency contract for the scheme.

The plan is to add extra extra lanes to the M25 between junctions 1b and 3 near Dartford and the A2 between Bean in Kent and the M25. Work on the A2 is due to start early next year and the next stage for the M25 project is publication of an environmental statement in spring next year.