Plans for traffic lane on M1 hard shoulder to be unveiled

PLANS for a massive upgrade of the M1 — including turning the hard shoulder into a traffic lane — will go on display later this week.

Technology-driven improvements are planned for 10.6 miles of the M1 from junction 32, where the M1 meets the M18, to junction 35a for the A616 at Stocksbridge.

The Highways Agency said providing extra capacity would help reduce congestion and provide a boost for the economy by making journey times more reliable.

A spokesman said: “As part of the scheme, the hard shoulder of the M1 will be converted to a permanent traffic lane.

“In addition, the hard shoulder between the junction slip roads at junction 35 will also be converted to a full-time running lane in both directions to continue this extra capacity through the junction.

“Variable mandatory speed limits, displayed on overhead and verge-mounted signs, will help smooth the flow of traffic and reduce congestion.”

Public information exhibitions will be held at The Source at Meadowhall, on Friday from 2pm to 8pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

People will be able to find out more about the innovative scheme and how work to deliver the project may affect them.

Highways Agency staff will be on hand to listen to comments and concerns and answer any questions.

As well as attending the exhibitions, members of the public or other interested

parties can find out more about the M1 J32 to J35a managed motorway scheme by visiting the website at www.highways.gov.uk/m1j32-35amm, writing to the M1 J32-35a project team at Highways Agency, Lateral, 8 City Walk, Leeds, LS11 9AT; emailing them at [email protected], or calling the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.