M1 set for further improvements following early end to safety barrier upgrade in West Yorkshire

A central barrier upgrade improving safety for drivers in West Yorkshire has been completed two months early - paving the way for further improvements to the M1.

National Highways has replaced the wire barrier on the M1 southbound between junctions 47 and 43 with a mixture of concrete and steel. Work was also carried out on drainage and lighting while sections of the southbound carriageway around junction 45 have been resurfaced.

Concrete barriers are safer than steel ones as they are stronger, reducing the risk of vehicles crossing from one carriageway to the other. They also last longer than metal, which will mean fewer closures for routine repairs in the future and therefore less disruption.

A section of steel barrier has been installed as part of this scheme as this area runs through a former open cast mine area which means it can encounter settlement, cracking the concrete. 

The removal of associated traffic management and speed restrictions are now set to be removed by the end of March 2025.

National Highways Project Manager Daniel Edwards said:

“We’re very pleased to say the barrier has now been completed, well ahead of May as originally scheduled. We have been working a mix of night and day shifts to finish this scheme as safely and quickly as possible, doing our best to keep disruption to a minimum.

“We appreciate this scheme has caused delays since it began and we’re very grateful to road users for bearing with us while we’ve worked to get it completed. Once again, thank you for your patience.”

In April, National Highways will be undertaking essential maintenance work on two bridges which carry local roads over the M1 at Sharpe Lane and Lingwell Gate. 

These works will give it a protective barrier which will shield the bridge from corrosion and extend the life of the bridge, which minimises work in the future.

The work also enhances visibility and safety for drivers, particularly in adverse weather conditions and improves the overall appearance of the bridge. 

The scheme will be undertaken in different phases and is expected to be completed by October 2025.

Daniel Edwards said:

“We expect disruption especially during peak times but have minimised this where possible by trying to maintain as many lanes as possible while carrying out the work. We’d advise people to plan their journey and allow extra time.”

For more information on this and other work in Yorkshire and the North East, please visit our Yorkshire and North East page, follow X @HighwaysYORKS or on Facebook - National Highways: Yorkshire.

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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