The Department for Transport's investment will deliver improvements over a total of 54 miles of the A12, including variable message signs at key points and automatic incident detection sensors embedded in the road surface, if regional partners respond positively to the proposals.
Linked to the Highways Agency's regional control centre, the system would provide better information for road users, warnings of upcoming congestion and advice on potential alternative routes.
Geoff Hoon said:
"Making this funding available for the A12 reflects our commitment to support economic growth in the UK and to improve the safety and reliability of our major roads.
"The A12 is a crucial strategic link, taking traffic between the east coast ports of Felixstowe and Harwich and the wider motorway network, and supporting the economy of the region and our trade links with Europe and beyond.
"With this new package of technology in place, the Highways Agency's regional control centre would be able to identify incidents more quickly, deploy appropriate emergency service response and relay tactical and strategic advice to road users who can still change their travel plans."
