M1 roadworks to be ‘kept to a minimum’

HIGHWAYS officials have vowed to keep delays and disruption to a minimum during roadworks on the M1 which are expected to last over four months.

Motorists have been warned that the Highways Agency is starting work this week on a programme of renewal works, to include construction of a concrete central reservation barrier, on the motorway.

Both the northbound and southbound carriageways will be affected between junction 32, where the M1 meets the M18, and junction 35a at Stocksbridge. Work is due to be completed by the end of October.

The first phase of work lasting until early nexy month, will involve strengthening a number of drainage manholes on the hard shoulder on both sides of the motorway.

Two lanes in each direction will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: “Delays are expected to be slight and the work will be carefully planned in order to minimise noise disruption to nearby residents.”

The second phase of work, from mid-July, until late October, will involve replacing the existing steel central reservation barrier with a safer, concrete barrier.

The new barriers are stronger and more robust, and are also unlikely to require repairs after vehicle impact.

Drainage and resurfacing works will also be carried out where necessary.

There will be a 50mph speed restriction operating between junctions 32 and 35a, for 24 hours a day, until the works are completed.

During the day, three narrowed lanes will be in operation in each direction with traffic using the hard shoulder.

Overnight lane and slip road closures may also be required.

Highways Agency senior project manager Andy Kirk said: “These essential renewal works will improve safety for both road users and road workers on this section of the M1.

“We have planned the works to reduce the impact on nearby residents, and we will do all we can to minimise disruption to road users by carrying out work overnight wherever possible.

“However, we would advise road users to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

“For the safety of drivers and road workers, we would also encourage all drivers to drive carefully past the work site, keep within the speed limit and concentrate on the road ahead.”

Up-to-date traffic information on motorways and trunk roads is available on the Highways Agency website www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or by calling the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Traffic information is also available on Twitter by following @HAtraffic_yorks.