Progress report

We are currently developing the detailed design for a smart motorway between A1(M) junctions 6 and 8.

This scheme will be "All Lane Running". This means that the hard shoulder will be converted into a permanent running lane for drivers to help reduce congestion. We also use variable speed limits to smooth traffic flow. The new scheme will mean drivers will benefit from a three-lane motorway between junction 3 (Hatfield) and junction 9 (Baldock / Letchworth).

Work on the A1(M) J6-8 will start in March 2020. We need to strengthen the existing hard shoulder so that we can keep two lanes open for traffic when work starts on the central reservation. This will help to minimise disruption for road users as much as possible.

We are working closely with the local authorities to help identify how we can minimise disruption to residents and businesses in the area. In the coming months we will be talking directly with those likely to be affected by the work, including the emergency services.

What's next?

Work starting March 2020 will include:

• detailed design development
• strengthening the hard shoulder
• structural survey work
• site clearance, including vegetation on the verge
• detailed topography, drainage and road surface surveys
• installing new gantry structures to display overhead electronic message signs
• installing CCTV cameras with full coverage of all the lanes
• installing incident detection and automatic sign systems
• installing enforcement cameras
• installing emergency roadside telephones
• installing electronic signals and signage
• constructing emergency areas (identifiable by orange road surfaces), with distinctive advanced signs
• upgrading central reservation by installing rigid concrete barrier
• laying low-noise road surface
• replanting the verges

Timeline

Community news

Come and talk to us

We’ll be in your area on the following dates:

• Saturday 1 February 2020: Stevenage town centre
• Sunday 2 February 2020: Sainsbury’s, Hitchin Road, Stevenage, SG1 4AE
• Friday 7 February 2020: Waitrose, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6AB

Why we need this scheme

The A1(M) is a route of strategic importance linking London and the South-East with the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the North-East. The route is a focal point for future growth around the large and medium-sized urban centres of Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Harlow, Bishop’s Stortford, St. Neots, Cambridge, Alconbury/ Huntingdon, Peterborough, Wakefield and Doncaster.

The A1(M) between junctions 5 and 9 is one of the top ten busiest sections of the entire London to Leeds (East) route. Congestion occurs frequently at peak times at a number of junctions. Every junction is close to existing or possible residential developments with the potential to accommodate up to 13,000 additional new homes by 2030. Traffic flows on this part of the network exceed capacity during peak periods leading to congestion.

This smart motorway will provide 50% additional capacity between junctions 6 and 8, creating a continuous three-lane motorway between junction 3 (Hatfield) and junction 9 Baldock / Letchworth).

Aims

This scheme aims to:

• reduce congestion and delays
• improve journey time reliability
• maintain a high standard of safety
• support economic growth and job creation

Environmental impact

The environmental assessment indicates that the proposed A1(M) Junctions 6 to 8 smart motorway scheme will not have a detrimental effect on the surrounding area.

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