Friday 15:30
The M1 is to close overnight between J6 (M25) and J7 (Hemel Hempstead) to allow for the safe installation of new overhead gantries, which will display road information and lane directions for drivers.
The northbound M1 will be closed overnight on Tuesday, 19 August, while the southbound carriageway will be closed overnight on Wednesday, 20 August. Both closures will be from 10pm to 5am.
Highways Agency project manager Geoff Bethel said:
"We need to close the M1 overnight to enable the overhead gantries to be lifted safely into position. The gantries are an important part of the widening project and will provide drivers with lane information and warnings about speed limits. The project is progressing well and we are working towards completion of the main works by Christmas this year."
Fully signed diversion routes will be in place. During the northbound closure M1 traffic will be diverted via the A405 and M10. Drivers on the M25 wishing to join the M1 will be diverted to J21A, where they will pick up the diversion above. During the southbound closure M1 drivers will follow the above route in reverse (M10 then A405) and M25 drivers will not be affected.
For safety reasons the work is weather dependent and will not take place during high winds. Should work be postponed on either night it will be carried out overnight on Thursday, 21 August.
Notes to Editors
1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. We manage, maintain and improve England's motorways and major A roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.
2. Real -time traffic information for England's motorways and major A roads is now available:
* From our new Traffic Radio service, available on DAB digital radio and the internet at http://www.trafficradio.org.uk To tune into the DAB service, simply press the "scan" button on your radio. The radio will tune into all available channels and you can select the new service by scrolling through the channels until you reach "Traffic Radio".
* On the internet at http://www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo
* By phone from the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated phone service on 08700 660 115. (Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers will cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more).
3. Before using a mobile, find a safe place to park. Never stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency. Make sure it's safe and legal before you call.
4. For more general information about the Highways Agency and its work, visit the Highways Agency website http://www.highways.gov.uk, or telephone the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30 at any time. (Calls to 0845 numbers cost no more than 3p/min from BT residential landlines. Call charges from other landlines and mobile networks may vary)
Safe driving at roadworks
For the safety of all road users and roadworkers, when you are approaching roadworks:
* Keep within the speed limit - it is there for your safety. * Get into the correct lane in good time - don't keep switching. * Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks. * Be alert for works' traffic leaving or entering roadworks. * Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front. * Observe all signs - they are there to help you.
Issued on behalf of the Highways Agency by COI News & PR.
Client ref 15-08-08
COI ref 164656P
