SLOWLY DOES IT
Drivers to experience delays on motorway used by 90k vehicles a day after ‘barrier upgrade’ – and work could take MONTHS
A new speed limit will be put in place during the works
DRIVERS are being warned of motorway delays amid plans to work in the central barrier along the M1.
National Highways plans to replace the current wire rope barrier near Leeds with a concrete version.
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The work is affecting the area between junction 47 at Parlington and junction 43 at Belle Isle.
The M1 is one of the UK's busiest motorways, connecting London and Leeds together via the East Midlands.
The works have been going on since late 2023 and are set to finish in Spring 2025.
It is the second phase of the improvements, which started in March - affecting the areas between junctions 46 and 47.
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Work is this month beginning on the second section between junctions 43 and 45.
Traffic management will be in place for around nine months, National Highways said.
During the work, the motorway will see reductions from three lanes to just two - in both directions.
It will have a 50mph speed limit put in place while the work is carried out.
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National Highways Project Manager Daniel Edwards earlier said: “This vital upgrade will make this route even safer.
"Concrete barriers reduce the risk of vehicles crossing over from one carriageway to the other.
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"As well as improving safety for the thousands of people who use this route every day, it will reduce congestion related to any incidents.
“We’re dividing the scheme into two sections.
"The first, between junctions 46 and 47, will start in March and is expected to last around seven months.
“The second section between junctions 43 and 45 will begin in August and is likely to take nine months.
"During this phase, we’ll also be improving the lighting.”
He added: “While the work is taking place, we are unfortunately expecting to see some delays and disruption, especially during the evening peak as people leave the Leeds area.
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“If you will be traveling on that route during this period, especially during peak periods, we advise you to plan your journeys in advance and allow additional time to travel. You may even wish to plan alternative routes if possible.”
The new phase of the works began on August 5.
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