M1 junction 13 to junction 16 smart motorway

Latest updates

• 18 March 2024

  M1 planned overnight road closures 18 March to April

  Whilst the project to upgrade the M1 between junctions 13 to 16 has been completed, there is work being carried out at junction 15a of the M1. This is being carried out by the Segro Logistics Park (Winvic) in Northampton. Please visit their website for further information on their closures that may impact your journey.

  There is some planned overnight road closures taking place between the hours of 10pm and 6am on the dates shown in the table below.

  We close the road once traffic flows are at their lowest, and all planned works are subject to change depending on weather conditions or any unforeseen circumstances. 

  Date	M1 Northbound	M1 Southbound
  Monday 18 March 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 15. Lane 1 of junction 15 exit slip closed. Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15a and 16.	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15a and junction 14.
  Tuesday 19 March 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 15. Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15a and junction 16.	No planned closures.
  Monday 25 March 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 15.	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 13.
  Tuesday 26 March 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 15.	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15 and junction 14.   Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 13.
  Wednesday 27 March 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 15.	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15 and junction 14. Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 13.
  Tuesday 2 April 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 15.	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15 and junction 14. Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 13.
  Wednesday 3 April 2024	No planned closures.	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15 and junction 14.
  Thursday 4 April 2024	No planned closures.	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 17 and junction 16. Junction 16 exit slip road closed.
  Friday 5 April 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15a and junction 16. Junction 16 exit slip road closed.	No planned closures.

• 29 February 2024

  M1 southbound junctions 14 to 13 resurfacing, 4 to 18 March 2024

  We’re carrying out urgent resurfacing work on the M1 southbound between junctions 14 and 13. Once complete, drivers will benefit from a safer and smoother road surface.
  
  We plan to complete this work over 13 nights between Monday 4 March and Monday 18 March 2024, including the weekend of Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 March. We will work between 10pm and 5am, weather conditions permitting.
  
  Closures and diversions
  To carry out the work safely, we will need to close the M1 southbound between junctions 14 and 13, and divert traffic through Milton Keynes as detailed below:
  
  Drivers will be diverted off the M1 at junction 14 onto the H6 Childs Way (A509) to Fox Milne Roundabout. At the roundabout take the first exit onto the A4146 (Tongwell Street). At Standing Way Roundabout take the first exit onto the A421 before rejoining the M1 at junction 13.

• 23 February 2024

  Planned road closures from Friday 23 February to Monday 11 March 2024

  Whilst the project to upgrade the M1 between junctions 13 to 16 has been completed, there is work being carried out at junction 15a of the M1. This is being carried out by the Segro Logistics Park (Winvic) in Northampton. Please visit their website for further information on their closures that may impact your journey.

  There is some planned overnight road closures taking place between the hours of 10pm and 6am on the dates shown in the table below.

  We close the road once traffic flows are at their lowest, and all planned works are subject to change depending on weather conditions or any unforeseen circumstances. 

  Date	M1 Northbound	M1 Southbound
  Friday 23 February 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 15.   Lane 2 of the junction 15 exit slip road closed.	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15a and junction 15.
  Saturday 24 February 2024	No planned closures	No planned closures
  Sunday 25 February 2024	No planned closures	No planned closures
  Monday 26 February 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 15.	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 17 and junction 16. Junction 16 exit slip closed.
  Tuesday 27 February 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 15. Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15a and junction 16. Junction 16 exit slip closed.	No planned closures
  Wednesday 28 February 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 15.	No planned closures
  Thursday 29 February 2024	No planned closures	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15 and junction 14. Junction 15a exit slip road closed.
  Friday 1 March 2024	No planned closures	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15 and junction 14.
  Saturday 2 March 2024	No planned closures	No planned closures
  Sunday 3 March 2024	No planned closures	No planned closures
  Monday 4 March 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15 and junction 15a.	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15 and junction 14.
  Tuesday 5 March 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 15.	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15 and junction 14.
  Wednesday 6 March 2024	No planned closures	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15 and junction 14.
  Monday 11 March 2024	No planned closures	Junction 15 entry slip closed. Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and junction 13.

• 23 January 2024

  Planned road closures during January and February 2024

  There are some planned overnight work taking place between the hours of 10pm and 6am on the dates shown in the table below.

  Please be considerate of residents living along the diversion routes when travelling during these closures. We close the road once traffic flows are at their lowest, and all planned works are subject to change depending on weather conditions or any unforeseen circumstances. 

  Please note that whilst the project to upgrade the M1 between junctions 13 to 16 has been completed, there is work being carried out at junction 15a of the M1. This is being carried out by the Segro Logistics Park (Winvic) in Northampton. Please visit their website for further information on their closures that may impact your journey.

  Date	M1 Northbound	M1 Southbound
  Monday 22 January 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and 15. Newport Pagnell services entry slip road closed. Newport Pagnell services exit slip road closed.	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15a and 15.
  Tuesday 23 January 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and 15.	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 16 and 15.
  Wednesday 24 January 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and 15.	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 16 and 15.
  Thursday 25 January 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and 15.	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 16 and 15. Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15 and 14.
  Friday 26 January 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and 15.	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 16 and 15. Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15 and 14.
  Saturday 27 January 2024	No planned closures	No planned closures
  Sunday 28 January 2024	No planned closures	No planned closures
  Monday 29 January 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and 15.	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15 and 14.
  Tuesday 30 January 2024	No planned closures	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 17 and 16. Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15 and 14.
  Wednesday 31 January 2024	No planned closures	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15a and 14. Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15 and 14.
  Thursday 1 February 2024	No planned closures	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15 and 14.
  Friday 2 February 2024	No planned closures	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15 and 14.
  Saturday 3 February 2024	No planned closures	No planned closures
  Sunday 4 February 2024	No planned closures	No planned closures
  Monday 5 February 2024	No planned closures	·      Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15 and 14.
  Tuesday 6 February 2024	No planned closures	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15 and 14.
  Wednesday 7 February 2024	No planned closures	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15 and 14. Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 14 and 13.
  Thursday 8 February 2024	No planned closures	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15 and 14. Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 14 and 13.
  Friday 9 February 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 13 and 14.	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15 and 14.
  Saturday 10 February 2024	No planned closures	No planned closures
  Sunday 11 February 2024	No planned closures	No planned closures
  Monday 12 February 2024	Lanes 3 and 4 closed between junction 14 and 15.	Lanes 4, 3 and 2 closed between junction 15 and 14. Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15 and 13. Junction 14 exit slip closed.
  Tuesday 13 February 2024	Lanes 3 and 4 closed between junction 14 and 15.	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 16 and 15a. Lanes 4, 3 and 2 closed between junction 15 and 14. Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 14 and 13.
  Wednesday 14 February 2024		Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15a and 15. Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 15 and 14. Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 14 and 13.
  Thursday 15 February 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and 15.	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 14 and 13.
  Friday 16 February 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and 15. Lane 1 of the junction 15 exit slip road closed.	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 14 and 13.
  Saturday 17 February 2024	No planned closures	No planned closures
  Sunday 18 February 2024	No planned closures	No planned closures
  Monday 19 February 2024	Lanes 3 and 4 closed between junction 14 and 15.	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 16 and 15a. Lanes 4,3 and 2 closed between junction 15 and 14.
  Tuesday 20 February 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and 15. Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15a and 16.	Lanes 2 and 1 closed between junction 16 and 15a
  Wednesday 21 February 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and 15. Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 15a and 16.	No planned closures
  Thursday 22 February 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and 15.	No planned closures
  Friday 23 February 2024	Lanes 1 and 2 closed between junction 14 and 15. Lane 2 of the junction 15 exit slip road closed.	No planned closures

  Other M1 planned road closures

  We’ll be carrying out essential maintenance work on the M1 between junction 10 Luton airport (south) and 13 Bedford/Milton Keynes South.

  Date	Duration	Closure details	Extra time to allow
  Saturday 20 January for 4 nights	10pm to 5am	Full overnight closure of M1 junction 14 to 11a Southbound	40 mins
  Wednesday 24 January for 4 nights	10pm to 5am	Full overnight closure of M1 junction 11a to 9 Southbound	25 mins
  Monday 29 January for 5 nights	10pm to 5am	Full overnight closure of M1 junction 11a to 14 Northbound	40 mins

  More details at www.nationalhighways.co.uk/m1J10-13

  When the road is closed, please follow the official signed diversion routes. Please do not use satellite navigation (sat nav) when following the diversion, as they may give conflicting information. 

  Other roadworks in the area

  Drivers are reminded to allow extra time for journeys if using the A45 due to extensive maintenance work between Queen Eleanor roundabout to the M1 junction 15 in Northamptonshire.

  Closures are taking place between 8pm and 6am, Monday to Friday. The closures are on the eastbound carriageway until Wednesday 31 January and then on the westbound carriageway from Thursday 1 February until Monday 26 February. Work will then return to the eastbound carriageway, due to be completed by 7 March.

  Meanwhile work has also now begun on repairing safety barriers along the A45 on a stretch between the M1 junction 15 and Wilby Way. These closures will continue until the end of April.

  The first phase is the A45 between Wilby Way roundabout and Barnes Meadow roundabout, with closures on the westbound/south carriageway until Wednesday 31 January. The closures will then take place on the eastbound/north carriageway until 26 February. Closures take place overnight, between 8pm and 6am, Monday to Friday.

  More details on the A45 work.

• 09 March 2023

  Upgrade now fully open

  The final 11-mile section of the M1 J13-16 upgrade has fully opened, with the national speed limit (70mph) restored.  

  We have been opening the 23-mile M1 upgrade in phases since late 2021. Completing this final section, at the northernmost section of the upgrade, means that we have now fully opened our upgrade on the M1 between Bedford, Milton Keynes and Northampton, creating an extra lane in each direction and adding technology to improve journeys and give drivers better information. 

   

  On motorways where the hard shoulder has been converted to a traffic lane, there is a whole system of inter-related features, working together to help keep traffic moving safely. They include:   

  • Variable speed limits to help keep traffic moving, reducing frustrating stop-start traffic and making journeys quicker   
  • Clearly signed and orange-coloured emergency areas set back from the road and with telephones linking directly to our control rooms   

  • Detection systems to monitor traffic for changes in flows and speeds, including stopped vehicle detection to spot stopped vehicles and get help on the way more quickly   
  • CCTV cameras that our operators are able to move and zoom to monitor and manage congestion and incidents, where notified. The system has the ability to see 100% of the carriageway  
  • Signs and signals to provide better information and that can alert drivers to hazards ahead and display Red X signals to close lanes to other traffic when a stopped vehicle is identified  
  • Enforcement cameras to deter the minority who break speed limits and ignore Red X signs   

  All this is overseen and joined up by our dedicated teams in the control rooms and on the road, who are here to help motorists 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

  Benefits 

  You can read more about the main features of smart motorways, and advice and guidance on safer driving and what to do in an emergency on our ‘Driving on motorways’ hub. 

• 05 December 2022

  Phased opening of upgraded sections continues

  Today a 4.2-mile section of the M1 north of junction 14 at Newport Pagnell services (to Cattle Creep, near Hartwell) fully opened, with the 70mph national speed limit restored.

  On motorways where the hard shoulder has been converted to a traffic lane, there is a whole system of inter-related features, working together to help keep traffic moving safely. They include:  

  • Variable speed limits to help keep traffic moving, reducing frustrating stop-start traffic and making journeys quicker  
  • Clearly signed and orange-coloured emergency areas set back from the road and with telephones linking directly to our control rooms  
  • Detection systems to monitor traffic for changes in flows and speeds, including stopped vehicle detection to spot stopped vehicles and get help on the way more quickly  
  • CCTV cameras that our operators are able to move and zoom to monitor and manage congestion and incidents, where notified. The system has the ability to see 100% of the carriageway 
  • Signs and signals to provide better information and that can alert drivers to hazards ahead and display Red X signals to close lanes to other traffic when a stopped vehicle is identified 
  • Enforcement cameras to deter the minority who break speed limits and ignore Red X signs  

  All this is overseen and joined up by our dedicated teams in the control rooms and on the road, who are here to help motorists 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

  Next Steps

  A further 4.5-mile section to junction 15 for Northampton is set to fully open in early 2023. Together, these make up the second section of the M1 upgrade.

  The third and final section of the upgrade, between junctions 15 and 16, began its phased opening last month, with four lanes in each direction at 60mph, and is expected to fully open by March 2023.

  Benefits

  You can read more about the main features of smart motorways, and advice and guidance on safer driving and what to do in an emergency on our ‘Driving on motorways’ hub.

• 15 November 2022

  More new lanes open to traffic

  The final stretch of our upgrade of the M1 started its phased opening from today (Tuesday 15 November).

  An extra, fourth lane is being made available over the next four nights to drivers in both directions on a 6.5-mile section of the motorway between junction 15 (Northampton) and junction 16 (the Upper Heyford Interchange). The whole section is due to have the additional lane open by 6am on Friday morning.

  Drivers travelling through this section will see a 60mph speed limit in place, temporary additional CCTV from the roadworks, and a free recovery service alongside the new permanent systems while final technology tests are carried out.

  This can only happen when there aren’t roadworks, and when drivers are able to use all lanes of the upgraded carriageway.

  The scheme is opening in sections; a fourth lane opened on the 9.4-mile stretch between Newport Pagnell Services and junction 15 (Northampton) in September. Both sections are expected to fully open, with the national speed limit restored, in the coming weeks.

  Drivers will now be able to use 46 new emergency areas if they need to stop in an emergency.

• 22 September 2022

  New lanes open to traffic

  From today (Thursday 22 September), 4 lanes on the 9.4 mile stretch between Newport Pagnell Services and junction 15 (Northampton) are now available to traffic with a 60mph speed limit in both directions. 

  Once construction is complete, and before we fully open our motorway upgrades, new technology, which includes stopped vehicle detection, is tested. This means it is finely adjusted to suit the particular environment of the road where it has been installed. This can only happen when there are no roadworks, when drivers are able to use all four lanes of the upgraded carriageway.

  Safety measures which have been in place during the roadworks, such as the 60mph reduced speed limits, and a free recovery service for drivers who get into difficulty, continue. The temporary CCTV used during the roadworks also remains in place, working alongside the new permanent CCTV installed as part of the upgrade.

  Once testing shows the system is performing satisfactorily the maximum speed is increased to the national speed limit of 70mph.  We expect this to happen next month.

  The first section of the upgrade, a 7.6 mile stretch between junction 13 and Newport Pagnell services, opened earlier this year. We expect the final remaining link of the upgrade, the 6.5 mile section between junction 15 and junction 16 (Upper Heyford Interchange) to start its phased opening next month.

  This newly opened section includes 19 new emergency areas, where drivers can stop in an emergency. Once finished, the 23-mile upgrade will feature 46 new emergency areas, 8 more than originally planned.  

  We expect the scheme to be fully open, with the national speed limit restored, by March 2023. 

  If you’d like to know more about the main features of smart motorways, and advice and guidance on safer driving and what to do in an emergency, visit our ‘Driving on motorways’ hub.