Extra lane opened up as traffic-busting M1 works continue

DRIVERS using the M1 through South Yorkshire can now benefit from an extra lane as works to upgrade it to a smart motorway continue.

The hard shoulder between junction 34 for Meadowhall and junction 35A for Stocksbridge is now in use in the hope of easing congestion.

Overhead signs will also be active and from next week temporary speed limits will be in force.

Andy Kirk, Highways England’s senior project manager, said: “We are investing a record £15 billion on improving our roads, making journeys easier, safer and quicker.

“Smart motorways are a safe way to increase capacity on our roads and proven to cut journey times and wasted hours stuck in traffic.

“This is a great milestone in the scheme, with more than 100,000 drivers a day benefitting from four lanes of road ahead of the smart motorway full opening next year.”

For more information on the scheme visit http://roads.highways.gov.uk/projects/m1-junctions-32-35a.