Next phase of improved safety barrier scheme to begin next month

Safety improvements on the M1 in West Yorkshire are moving ahead with the second phase of a central barrier replacement scheme starting next month.

National Highways is replacing the wire rope central barrier with a concrete one between junctions 47 (Parlington) and 43 (Belle Isle). The scheme is taking place in two phases. The first phase, between junctions 46 (Austhorpe) and 47, began in March.

The second phase, between junctions 43 and 46, is scheduled to start on 5 August.

Work in progress on the central barrier upgrade

Daniel Edwards, National Highways Project Manager, said: “We have managed to get a lot of work completed ahead of schedule. As a result, we’re able to reduce the overall length of this scheme and begin the next phase on 5 August.”

During the second phase, the current roadworks will be extended by just under four miles from junction 46 to junction 43, where the M1 meets the M621. The scheme will replace the wire rope with a barrier constructed from a mixture of steel and concrete. Concrete barriers are even stronger than metal ones and significantly reduce the risk of vehicles crossing over from one carriageway to another, improving safety and reducing the duration of incident-related congestion.

To keep drivers and the workforce safe while this is carried out, National Highways will reduce the M1 in this section from three to two lanes in both directions, as well as implement a reduced speed limit of 50mph on this part of the motorway.

The work between junctions 46 and 47 is expected to continue until October this year - ahead of schedule - while the second phase is currently scheduled to be complete in May 2025.

Daniel said:

“We understand the replacement has been causing disruption and delays to people’s journeys, especially during the morning and afternoon peak period. We’ve been working a mixture of days and nights to minimise this and complete this scheme as soon as we can. We hope this will allow us to replace the entire central barrier earlier than scheduled, reducing disruption overall.”

While this scheme is taking place, some delays are expected in the area, especially during the morning and afternoon peak travel periods. Drivers are strongly advised to allow more time for their journeys and to use alternative routes if at all possible.

Further updates on this scheme will be shared on the National Highways: Yorkshire and North East web page, on the National Highways regional X (Twitter) account @HighwaysYORKS and on the National Highways: Yorkshire Facebook page.

Notes to Editors

National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.

Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.

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