A1(M) Upgrade Near Leeds to Add Fifth Lane in Safety Boost

The scheme forms part of a wider safety improvement programme led by National Highways.

As well as increasing capacity, the project will include new lighting, improved drainage, upgraded technology such as CCTV and revised emergency telephones, updated signage, and the installation of a verge safety barrier. A quieter road surface will also be laid across all lanes to reduce noise for nearby residents.

The additional lane will be created within the existing road layout by making use of available space where the carriageway currently narrows from five lanes to four.

Simon Taylor, Project Manager at National Highways, explained that the upgrade aims to ease congestion and improve traffic flow between the busy junctions. He noted that the design avoids encroaching on nearby verges and wooded areas, which help shield the neighbouring community of Aberford.

During construction, traffic management arrangements will mirror those recently used for central barrier works. This will involve closing the hard shoulder and lane one on both the M1 and the northbound A1(M) for approximately 3km, along with a temporary 50mph speed limit.

Although part of the hard shoulder will be repurposed to accommodate the extra lane, a hard shoulder will still remain in place once the scheme is complete.

The works are expected to finish in August.