I've just spent a few days down in Sussex, visiting friends and generally exploring SWMBO's roots.
The journey down wasn't too bad, with the expected exception of the Dartford Crossing (which in itself was better than it sometimes is).
The journey back today was somewhat different.
The A26 (Which is a primary route) was closed both ways on Thursday morning early due to an accident (fairly quickly cleared) and a separate diesel spill. For the latter, the road requires resurfacing, and is not scheduled for re-opening until Monday!! The rural diversionary routes are less than satisfactory, though we researched the convoluted route the long-distance buses were using, and managed to get the motorhome through satisfactorily. (The bus, by the way is not serving a significant part of it's normal route for the duration).
The A21 Northbound then had major delays. It would appear that there is a strict speed limit protecting the carriageway works Southbound, which was completely closed and no contraflow.
Next, the usual delays at Dartford; well, slightly longer than expected for a Saturday lunchtime.
...and, then, dire warning of 90 minute delays on the M11 around J8 (which still seems to be a thing as I type).
So, diversion via the A1 and a long crawl round the M25 under long 30/40mph limits (for no apparent reason).
Then past Welwyn and Stevenage and then every subsequent roundabout on the A1 had major congestion (presumably as a result of people abandoning the M11). There's also a long stretch of the A1 with a 40 limit on it for "safety" reasons that has been there for months with no sign of work (the barriers were replaced ages ago and are OK).
So, a long drive back and significant diversion.
It would be alright if it weren't for the fact that it is becoming a regular occurrence. Coming back from the NE a couple of weeks ago the A1 was shut for investigation for best part of a day. Viable diversionary routes had major roadworks, and there were at least two other accidents causing problems.
Erstwhile straightforward journeys are now regularly becoming a problem.
(I appreciate that accidents are difficult to plan for, but it really does seem to be significantly more difficult to get a simple journey nowadays).
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