Gantry installation programme continues on M1 in West Yorkshire
Drivers advised of closures between junctions 39 to 41.
A major gantry installation programme on the M1 in West Yorkshire will resume at the end of February and will require planned overnight closures of the motorway between junction 39 to 41.
The first stage of work started on the 31 January and is due to be completed by the 21 February. The gantries will house signs used to display variable speed limits to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion.
A total of 10 new overhead gantries are required along the construction of the M1 junction 39 to 42 smart motorway scheme. The next stages will begin every Saturday between 8pm and 8am from 28 February to Saturday 7 March. The following closures will be in place:
- the M1 southbound carriageway between junctions 40 to 39
- the M1 junction 40 southbound entry slip road
Gantry installation will then resume every Saturday between 8pm and 8am from 21 March to Saturday 28 March with the following closures:
- a full carriageway closure between M1 junctions 40 to 41
- M1 junction 40 northbound entry slip road
- M1 junction 41 southbound entry slip road
All closures will have a clearly signed diversion route.
David Pilsworth, Highways Agency project manager, said:
Gantry installation is part of a programme of work which also includes bridge waterproofing and road resurfacing for the construction of the M1 junction 39 to 42 Smart Motorway.
This work will be undertaken overnight, so that we minimise disruption to the road user. We would like to remind drivers to allow extra time for their journeys and follow the signed diversion routes.
A final stage of installation, which will require further closures, will take place in April.
The £120 million smart motorway scheme, which covers an eight mile section of the M1 between junction 39 and junction 42, will cut congestion, make journey times more reliable and improve safety through the use of variable mandatory speed limits and by opening the hard shoulder as an extra running lane.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.