M1 widening work held up

WORK on transforming the M1 hard shoulder into a traffic lane has been delayed by up to a year.

The scheme — between junctions 32 at Thurcroft and 35a at Chapeltown — was set to start this month.

It is now slated to begin before the end of March 2014 because of an ongoing “environmental assessment.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A Highways Agency spokeswoman said: “As with any scheme, any planned start of works is subject to completion of statutory processes.

“Once we have the full outcome of these assessments we will then be able to update you on the proposed delivery timescales.

“We remain committed to getting these improvements on the ground as soon as possible and intend to start construction work in 2013/14.”

In the meantime, some maintenance renewal works will be carried out on the central barrier verge of this section during the summer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The “managed motorway” system will use overhead signs to warn drivers of stationary vehicles and other hazards in the former hard shoulder.

The project is part of a £3.3 billion Government spend on roads by 2015. Work started on four of 24 schemes in the past year.

The spokeswoman added: “This ambitious programme for investment has challenged the agency to deliver faster, flexibly and smarter to meet the needs of the economy and road users.”