Phase one of safety barrier scheme completes ahead of schedule
The first phase of safety improvements on the M1 in West Yorkshire have now been completed, three months ahead of schedule.
The first phase of safety improvements on the M1 in West Yorkshire have now been completed, three months ahead of schedule.
National Highways is replacing the wire rope central barrier with a concrete one between junctions 47 and 43. The scheme is taking place in two phases. The first phase, between junctions 46 and 47, began in March and has now been completed.
The second phase, between junctions 43 and 46, started in August and is due to be complete in spring 2025.
Daniel Edwards, National Highways Project Manager, said: “This is a fantastic achievement to complete these vital safety improvements three months ahead of schedule. It is a testament to the team on the ground who have worked tirelessly, working both day and night to get this scheme completed not just on time but three months early.”
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 has reduced the M1 in this section from three to two lanes in both directions, as well as implement a reduced speed limit on this part of the motorway.
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’re really pleased to have made such good progress with the first phase, and hope to continue that into the second.”
While the second phase 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.
For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:
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