A stretch of the M1 between Milton Keynes and Northampton is set to be closed for some hours this weekend for smart motorway works.
National Highways are converting the existing section of the M1 from Junction 13 at Milton Keynes South to Junction 16 at the Upper Heyford Interchange (A45 to Daventry, A4500 to Northampton) into a smart motorway.
Friday 10th December from 9pm until 5am:
Junction 15, exit slip closed
Junction 16- Junction 15a, lanes 1 and 2 closed
Junction 15- Junction 14, lanes 1 and 2 closed
Saturday 11th December from 9pm until 5am:
Junction 15- Junction 14, full closure including Newport Pagnell services and Junction 15 entry slip
Junction 15a- Junction 15, Lanes 2 and 3 closed
Dates and times could change dependent on the weather, you can keep up to date here.
The smart motorway project plan involves:
- converting the motorway between junctions 13 to 16 into four lanes of traffic with no hard shoulder
- installing 38 new (and two upgraded) emergency areas with emergency roadside telephones
- new overhead gantries and electronic signs to show the variable speed limits and provide driver information
- new and replacement safety barriers in the central reservation and verge areas
- CCTV cameras
- new noise barriers and partial replacement of the existing noise barrier
- planting trees and bushes to replace any removed during construction
National Highways warn: "During the current roadworks, there is no place for motorists to stop or leave the motorway other than the exit slip roads or motorway service areas. A free vehicle recovery service is offered for motorists who breakdown in our roadworks.
"Always try to exit the motorway immediately if your vehicle is damaged or experiencing difficulties. If this is not possible and your vehicle stops in the nearside lane (lane 1) and you feel able to exit safely with any occupants, try to exit your vehicle via the nearside (left hand) door, and wait behind the safety barriers on the verge if it's safe to do so. In all cases, switch on your hazard warning lights."
