A1 Gap Closures
We’re improving safety on the A1 in the East Midlands by closing gaps in the central reservation
Latest updates
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04 July 2025
First gaps to close this month
We’ve identified 13 gaps between Little Ponton and Colsterworth in Lincolnshire to be closed in the first instance with 46 larger gaps across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Rutland, between Blyth and Stamford, being considered for closure in future phases.
These gaps are small and used infrequently, as either field or pedestrian accesses.
Gap 23 involved a public right of way on the western side of the A1 and gap 41 involved a public right on the eastern side of the A1, both of which had no onward route, so we've held discussions with the local authority regarding this.
The first phase will be carried out as part of our current safety barrier maintenance between Harlaxton and South Witham. Where there’s a gap to be closed we’ll add a length of barrier across it and tie it in with the current infrastructure.
The gaps have already been temporarily closed with cones but the permanent work to close them will take place over five weeks from:
- Wednesday 16 July to Tuesday 19 August under overnight lane closures, 8pm to 6am, Mondays to Fridays.
We’re closing these smaller gaps first so traffic that uses larger gaps won’t attempt to cross the A1 at a more inappropriate alternative, once the larger gaps are closed.
Next steps
We’ll be looking at the remaining gaps to identify which will be closed next. We’ll also be carrying out traffic modelling and surveys to ensure junctions where people will be diverted to can cope with additional traffic.
Where we need to apply for any public rights of way to be stopped up we'll go through the required statutory process and consultation overseen by the relevant local authority.
There is currently no timescale for when the next phase will be carried out or which gaps will be closed.
Project information
Overview
We're closing the gaps along the A1 in the East Midlands, between Blyth in the north and Stamford in the south, in response to safety concerns raised by local communities.
Some are used for agricultural access or to access single properties. Others are larger and used to cross the A1 to access local roads on the other side, to turn right on to the opposite carriageway from a side road, or by drivers or riders wanting to do a U-turn.
These manoeuvres have led to incidents, some resulting in fatalities or injuries, as well as closures of the A1 causing lengthy delays to road users.
Benefits
Closing the gaps will lead to:
- improved safety
- a reduction in emergency closures of the A1
- economic benefit
Documents
Traffic information
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