A £700 MILLION cash injection is to be spent on improving the region’s motorways.

The Department for Transport has announced the package to help fund several major road projects in the South West.

Schemes set to benefit from the money include phase two of the Avonmouth Bridge Resurfacing and the hard shoulder running scheme proposed for sections of the M4 and M5.

The Highways Agency announced in June plans to create a fourth lane on a five-mile stretch of the M4 between Junctions 19 and 20 and a seven-mile section of the M5 between Junctions 15 and 17.

As well as allowing the hard shoulder to be opened at busy times, the introduction of a Managed Motorway system would allow the Highways Agency to improve traffic flow by varying the speed limit on these sections of motorway.

Dave Sledge, Highways Agency area performance manager, said: "A number of projects in the Bristol area have been accelerated for delivery as part of a wider package to help stimulate the economy.

"The high volume of work to be delivered in the near future will mean some short term disruption, however the future benefits for road users in the Bristol area will be a more reliable highways network capable of supporting future economic growth and managing congestion."

The Avonmouth Bridge resurfacing is due to start on the northbound carriageway on September 1 and is expected to last until Christmas.

During the work there will be narrow lanes and a 50 mph speed limit controlled by speed cameras and at times a contraflow. The cycle path, along with three lanes, will remain open in each direction throughout the work.

Dave Stock, Highways Agency project manager, said: "The southbound carriageway was resurfaced during the autumn of 2008 using a resurfacing material which is able to be machine laid, providing an improved surface finish.

"The northbound carriageway will be surfaced with the same material, which is designed to last longer and give a smoother ride than the existing surface."

Other regional motorway projects include the replacement of central reservation barriers between junctions 15 and 17 on the M5 and junctions 18 and 19 of the M4, and the replacement of Lawrence Weston over bridge on the M5.