Leeds: M1 barrier upgrades will lead to delays, drivers warned

Drivers have been warned to expect delays on the M1 near Leeds after a year-long project to upgrade the central barrier began.

Work has started to replace the existing wire rope with a concrete barrier along a 10-mile stretch between junctions 43 and 47.

During the work the M1 will be reduced to two lanes in both directions, with a 50mph speed limit in place.

National Highways said the "vital upgrade" would improve road safety.

Project manager Daniel Edwards said the work would be divided into two sections

The first, between junctions 46 and 47, will start in March and is expected to last around seven months.

The second section, between junctions 43 and 45, will begin in August and is likely to take nine months.

"If you plan to travel on that route during this period, especially during peak periods, we advise you to plan your journeys in advance and allow additional time to travel," he said.

"You may even wish to plan alternative routes if possible."

From Friday, there will be overnight closures on the M1 between junctions 45 and 47 to install the traffic management.

"Closures are due on this stretch of carriageway in both directions, although they will only be in place in one direction at a time," National Highways said.

The road will be closed from 20:00 to 06:00 every day of the week, except Saturday, for three-and-a-half weeks, with the final closure taking place on 26 March.

Starting from 2 March, the outside lane of the M1 southbound between junctions 46 and 47 will be closed, with the outside lane of the M1 northbound being closed from 8 March.

From August, work will start on the second section between junctions 43 and 45.

The same traffic management will be in place for around nine months, with closures at the start and end of the scheme to install and remove it.

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