Improvements and major road projects | A1(M) junction 6 to junction 8 smart motorway

A1(M) junction 6 to junction 8 smart motorway

We're improving the A1(M) between junction 6 and junction 8.

Region:	East
Start date:	2019-20
Cost:	£109.7 million - £156.1 million
Status:	PLANNED

Type:	Major Scheme
End date:	TBC
Programme:	Smart motorways

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Progress report

We are currently developing the preliminary 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).

We're now undertaking environmental assessments and refining the design. We're also liaising with Local Authorities and other key stakeholders and expect this stage of design work to be completed in the spring of 2019.

What's next?

The contractor for construction will be appointed after the completion of the preliminary design.

Timeline

Date	Event
December 2014	Government announces scheme
2019-20	Works start
TBC	Works complete

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. 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. Smart motorways 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).

Congestion occurs frequently at peak times at a number of links and junctions.

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

Project media files and documents

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Project timeline

Planned roadworks

Roadworks and Events for England

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

M25 clockwise within J23 | Clockwise | Road Works

Location : The M25 clockwise at junction J23 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1, 2 and 3 will be closed. Reason : Emergency barrier repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 22:00 and 05:30 from 30 April 2019 to 3 May 2019. Schedule : From 23:00 on 3 May 2019 to 06:00 on 4 May 2019. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 22:00 and 05:30 from 6 May 2019 to 10 May 2019. Schedule : From 23:00 on 10 May 2019 to 06:00 on 11 May 2019. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.