M1 makeover at Tinsley to run until next year

The lower deck of the 50-year-old double-decker bridge structure will be resurfaced and waterproofs, with two-and-a-half miles of barriers to be replaced, as part of a Highways England project stretching into next year.

The first phase of the work — expected to take up to 11 weeks — will begin on August 6 and affect the northbound carriageway.

A reduced speed limit of 30mph will be in place throughout.

HGVs will be diverted on to the local road network via Meadowhall Road and Meadowhall Way. 

For the northbound closure, they will also use Blackburn Meadows Way.

Tinsley Viaduct carries the M1 for a total of 3,389 feet over the Don Valley and was the first two-tier bridge of its kind in the UK when it opened in 1968. 

It cost £6 million to build and was constructed using steel box girders, with 12,500 tonnes of steel and 81,000 tonnes of concrete involved in the structure.

Highways England project manager Russell Mclean said: “Tinsley Viaduct is a unique piece of our road network and that is why we carry out regular inspections and maintenance work to ensure it remains in good working order and continues to provide a vital road link for the community.  

“We will be making full use of the road closures by carrying out a range of maintenance and improvement work. 

“This includes replacing the barriers and improving facilities for pedestrians, improving safety along this route.”

Highways England said 20,000 square metres of road would be resurfaced and just over a mile of footpath improved.

The second phase of the work will take place in November and affect the service road, before the third phase takes care of the southbound carriageway, with the same traffic arrangements as the northbound closure. 

Up to nine different contractors will be working on site around the clock to ensure the work is completed as quickly and safely as possible, the Agency said.