M1 junction 32 to 35a technology improvements to South Yorkshire
Major technology improvements will begin on the main carriageway along the M1 between junction 32 and junction 35a in South Yorkshire.
The improvements are designed to improve safety and relieve congestion, which will help stimulate growth in the local economy.
Work will take place from Monday 9 February to Thursday 15 February, between 8pm and 6am, and will involve installing electronic loops (known as MIDAS loops) in the carriageway to detect traffic flows. The loops detect when traffic is slowing down, and automatically set warning messages to advise drivers of queues ahead, and is necessary in advance of the main construction phase of the M1 smart motorway scheme.
To coincide with the technology work, and reduce disruption to road users, the Highways Agency will also be resurfacing the third lane of the carriageway. This will help reduce the level of traffic noise experienced by local residents and make a noticeable quieter and smoother ride for drivers.
Highways Agency, Project Manager, Arun Sahni, said:
This work is part of the initial preparation necessary for the construction of the M1 junction 32 and 35a smart motorway scheme. Once the main scheme is completed, the new technology will relieve congestion, improve journey times through increased capacity on this busy section of motorway, whilst providing drivers with more information. These benefits will also support economic development in the region.
To ensure the work is completed as quickly and safely as possible, work will take place overnight when traffic flows are at its lowest.
From Monday 9 February to Thursday 15 February, between 8pm and 6am, the following closures will be in place:
- Monday 09 February – Closure of the M1 northbound carriageway between junction 34 (south) to junction 35. Diversion via A6109 and A629 re-joining M1 at J35
- Tuesday 10 February – Closure of the M1 northbound carriageway between junction 35 to junction 36. Diversion via A6135 re-joining the M1 at J36
- Wednesday 11 February – Closure of the M1 southbound carriageway between junction 36 to junction 35. Diversion via A6135 (junction 35a southbound entry A616 to A61 then A6135) re-joining the M1 at junction 35
- Thursday 12 February – Closure of the M1 southbound between junction 35 to junction 34 (south). Diversion via A6109 to A629 re-joining the M1 at J34
- Monday 16 February – Closure of the M1 southbound between junction 34 (south) to junction 33. Diversion via A6178 on to the A630 Rotherway re-joining the M1 at J33
- Tuesday 17 February – Closure of the M1 southbound between junction 33 to junction 32. Diversion via Rotherway then on to A631 to M18 junction 1 then M18 re-joining the M1 at junction 32
- Wednesday 18 February – Closure of the M1 northbound between junction 32 to J33. Diversion via M18 northbound to junction 1 then on to the A631 then to Rotherway re-joining the M1 at J33
- Thursday 19 February – Closure of the M1 northbound between junction 33 to junction 34 (south). Diversion via A630 (Sheffield Parkway) then on to Europa Link then on to A631 Shepcote lane re-joining the M1 at junction 34
For further information please visit www.highways.gov.uk/roads
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.