Progress report

We will be implementing variable mandatory speed limits between junctions 6 and 8 on the A1(M) motorway. This will be implemented by use of a Statutory Instrument.

We held a Statutory Instrument consultation for four weeks from 10 February to 9 March 2020, asking how the proposal could affect you, your organisation or those you represent. We are analysing the responses received and we will publish the report on the consultation shortly.

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

We're looking to implement variable mandatory speed limits (VMSL) between junctions 6 and 8 of the A1(M) motorway in the future. We're keen to have your comments. We specifically would like to hear how the proposal could affect you, your organisation or those you represent.

It's important to note that this is not a consultation on the actual policy of using variable mandatory speed limits (VMSL). Use of this traffic management feature is already established government policy. We're therefore seeking your views on the proposal set out within the Statutory Instrument Consultation Document.

You can read this document and have your say on our consultation page.

The consultation will last for a period of four weeks commencing on 10 February 2020. The consultation will close on 9 March 2020. Please ensure responses arrive no later than the closing date.

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

You can see our Environmental Impact Assessment Notice of Determination in the Documents tab below.

Roadworks and Events for England

The latest incident information for England's motorway and trunk routes provided by Highways England