A total of 10 new overhead gantries are required along the construction of the M1 junction 39 to 42 smart motorway scheme. The gantries will house signs used to display variable speed limits to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion.
The first stage of work takes place every Saturday until 21 February. There will be overnight full motorway closures between junctions 39 and 40 from 8pm on Saturdays to 8am on Sundays. A clearly signed diversion route will be in place.
David Pilsworth, Highways Agency project manager, said:
We are pleased with the way the project is progressing and the installation of gantries illustrates a significant milestone.
By carrying out the closures overnight, when traffic flows are lower, we aim to minimise disruption to road users. We would like to remind drivers to allow extra time for their journeys and follow the signed diversion routes.
The closures for gantry installation forms part of the long term work currently taking place for the construction of the M1 junction 39 to 42 smart motorway scheme.
A second stage of installation, which will require further closures, will take place in March.
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.
