Major M1 Yorkshire scheme announced

A £3.6 million project will improve safety between Junctions 32 and 33 in South Yorkshire.

A £3.6 million scheme to improve safety between Junctions 32 and 33 of the M1 in South Yorkshire has been announced.

The scheme, which will begin on Monday June 26th 2006, will affect a 4.1km (2.6 miles) section of the motorway and will last until late September 2006.

It will include resurfacing with low noise material and waterproofing of Long Lane Bridge and Bank Underpass with protective material.

In addition, a new fixed sign gantry will be installed on the M1 southbound at the exit to the M18 at Junction 32.

There will also be general improvements to the steel safety fence system in the central reserves, as well as verge fencing improvements and drainage repairs.

A 50mph speed limit, enforced by safety cameras, will be in operation, with three narrow lanes along parts of the route in each direction on weekdays and two narrow lanes at weekends.

Lane closures will take place overnight, every night, to allow the Highways Agency to minimise disruption by carrying out work at times of low traffic.

"This is a significant safety improvement and maintenance scheme for the Highways Agency which will have many benefits for travellers," said Roger Wantling, project manager for the Agency.

"The M1 is a key arterial route and this particular stretch is one of the busiest in the region, with approximately 100,000 vehicles using it every day."

He added: "The work may cause significant delays, especially during peak times and at weekends, for which we apologise.

"Drivers are being advised to make alternative transport arrangements, avoid peak periods, allow extra time for their journeys, or if at all possible, to avoid the area.

"However, there are alternative routes, which will be clearly signposted in advance of and during the work."

Further details about the scheme, which will include several overnight southbound closures in August and September 2006, will be made available as work progresses.