I’m writing to update you on the upgrade work we’re doing to improve safety on the M1 between junctions 10 (Luton) and 13 (Bedford).
I last wrote to you on 13 September with details of carriageway closures to reopen the first section of road between junction 10 and 11a.
Work to enhance safety on 15.5 miles of the M1 in Bedfordshire is making good progress and the majority of the roadworks are on course to be removed before Christmas.
We’ve completed the installation of the new central reservation concrete barrier between junctions 11a (Chalton Interchange, Houghton Regis) and 12 (Toddington).
Before we reopen the next section, we’ll need to switch the roadworks from the central reservation to the verge on the M1 southbound between junction 12 and 11a. This is so we can extend the length of the southbound entry slip road at Toddington services.
We’ll need to close the southbound carriageway to safely switch the roadworks on Sunday 24 November between 10pm and 5am, when traffic levels are at their lowest.
We’ll maintain road capacity by keeping three narrow lanes open with a 50mph average speed restriction in place. To minimise the use of full carriageway closures, lanes 1 and 2 will be 3.25m, with lane 3 being narrowed down to 3m.
The hard shoulder will be closed while work is being carried out for the safety of road users and road workers. We do this to make the area safe for our team to work in. We’ll also install temporary traffic management (metal barriers) in the verge to protect our workers from vehicles whilst they carry out their work.
Our upgrade work on the southbound entry slip road will start once the narrow lanes and traffic management barriers have been fully installed. Toddington services will be open as usual, whilst the upgrade to the entry slip road is taking place.
We expect the upgrade work to Toddington services slip road to be completed by Spring 2025.
Please note these are provisional dates which may be subject to change due to conditions outside of our control, such as adverse weather or road incidents. We’ll update our website accordingly with any changes, which can be accessed at:www.nationalhighways.co.uk/M1junction10–13
Registered office Bridge House, 1 Walnut Tree Close, Guildford GU1 4LZ
Highways England Company Limited registered in England and Wales number 09346363
We’ll do all we can to keep disruption to a minimum, but we anticipate delays during peak times, so we’re encouraging drivers to plan their journeys. We’ll publish regular updates on our project webpage and social media.
We’re working with colleagues across National Highways to ensure that these works are coordinated alongside other maintenance needed on the network, so that we minimise disruption to the public.
Drivers are asked to follow the signed diversion routes during these road closures. Please do not use satellite navigation (sat nav) when following the diversion, as they may give conflicting information. Please be considerate of residents living along the diversion routes when using these roads when the M1 is closed. Diversion timings are approximate and are a guide only: please check Traffic England (www.trafficengland.co.uk) for current traffic conditions.
ADVANCE NOTICE OF ROAD CLOSURES
Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) has requested the following information is shared. If you have any questions please contact
CBC Streetworks team on 03003008000