A large section of the M25 in Kent and Surrey will see its hard shoulder converted to become an extra lane, probably in 2014. The 15 mile stretch, between junctions 5 and 7 (Sevenoaks to the M23 junction) is a congestion blackspot at present, especially where traffic from Kent and the Channel Tunnel on the M20 merges with the M25 towards Gatwick and the west. According to the Highways Agency, there will be a consultation process, and then work will start in around 18 months time.