M1 planned maintenance

We regularly maintain the M1 between junctions 6 and 14 each month on pre-planned dates. Work includes surface and technology repairs, drainage and sign cleaning.

Latest updates

  • 23 March 2026

    M1 between junctions 12 and 13 – Emergency drainage work

    We’re replacing defective drainage on the M1 between junctions 12 (Flitwick/Toddington) and 13 (Milton Keynes South).

    Closures

    Friday 27 March – M1 southbound between J13 and J12

    Fully closed overnight (9pm–5am). Also some northbound lane closures.

    Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March
    • M1 southbound between J13 and J12 fully closed overnight (9pm–5am) on each night
    • lanes 3 and 4 closed in both directions between J13 and J12 throughout the weekend. Lane 3 in both directions will re-open 5am Monday 30 March.
     Monday 30 March – Friday 3 April
    • lane 4 closed in both directions (from 5am Monday to 5am Friday)
    • additional overnight lane closures in both directions from Monday 30 March to 5am Friday 3 April.
    Tuesday 31 March – M1 northbound between J12 and J13

    Fully closed overnight (9pm–5am) for resurfacing.

    Wednesday 1 April – M1 southbound between J13 and J12

    Fully closed overnight (9pm–5am) for drainage work.

    Variable speed limits will be in place while we work. 

    Southbound diversion (from J13)

    • exit at J13 and head onto the A421 towards Milton Keynes, continuing to Brinklow Roundabout
    • take the third exit onto Tongwell Street to the second roundabout
    • turn right onto Bletchham Way, then bear onto the A5 to the next roundabout
    • head onto the A4146 towards Leighton Buzzard, then the A505
    • continue to Watling Street Roundabout and onto the Dunstable Northern Bypass
    • rejoin the M1 at J11A

    Northbound diversion (from J12)

    • exit at J12 and turn left onto Harlington Road (A5120)
    • take the first exit at the first roundabout and continue on A5120 (Flitwick Road)
    • go straight over the next two roundabouts and continue onto Dunstable Road (A5120)
    • at the next roundabout, take the first exit onto Steppingley Road
    • continue to the next roundabout and go straight ahead onto Steppingley Road/Fordfield Road
    • at the following roundabout, take the first exit onto Woburn Road (A507)
    • go straight on at the next two roundabouts
    • at the traffic lights, turn left onto Bedford Road
    • at the next roundabout, take the first exit to join the M1 northbound at J13

    Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.  

    Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England site. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.

  • 10 March 2026

    Planned road closures in March 2026

    We need these overnight road closures (10pm-5am) for maintenance this month, weather permitting.

    Wednesday 22 April - M1 northbound junctions 9 to 11a

    M1 northbound 9 to 11a diversion:

    • leave the M1 northbound at junction 9 and follow the A5183
    • then take the A505 to the A5
    • re-join the M1 at junction 11a

    If you want to join the M1 northbound at junction 10:

    • you'll be diverted southbound to junction 9
    • from junction 9 follow the northbound diversion

    If you want to join the M1 northbound at junction 11:

    • you'll be diverted by the A505 to join the A5
    • then re-join the M1 at junction 11a

    M1 northbound junctions 9 to 11a diversion map

    Thursday 23 April - M1 northbound between junctions 11a to 14

    M1 northbound between junctions 11a to 14 diversion:

    • you'll be diverted by the A5, then the A505
    • then continue on the A4146 to the A5, V6  and A4146
    • rejoin the M1 at junction 14

    If you want to join the M1 at junction 13, you'll be diverted by the A421 to join the northbound diversion. 

    Friday 25 April - M1 southbound between junctions 14 to 11a 

    M1 north and southbound between junctions 11a to 14 diversion map.

    Saturday 26 April – M1 southbound between junctions J11a-J9

    Diversions:

    • leave the M1 southbound at junction 11a and follow the A5
    • continue and join the A505 to the A5183
    • re-join the M1 junction at 9

    If you want to join the M1 southbound at junction 10:

    • you'll be diverted northbound to junction 11
    • then join the A505 to the A5183
    • re-join the M1 at junction 9 southbound

    M1 southbound between junctions 11a and 9 diversion map

    Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England site. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.

See more updates

Project information

Overview

The M1 is a key strategic road, carrying high volumes of heavy goods and other vehicles between London and the North. Many people rely on it very day for work and leisure.

Rather than wait for faults to appear, we plan regular maintenance overnight on specific dates. This helps us keep the road in good condition with less impact on drivers.

Works include:

  • technology repairs
  • drainage work
  • sweeping grass cuttings
  • surface repairs
  • cleaning signs

Documents

Traffic information

Information about scheduled roadworks and events on our motorways and major roads.

Contact us

0300 123 5000

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