Better information for your journey
The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.
The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
Traffic news on your desktop
Helpful ways to access the latest traffic information when you need it.
A1 Darrington to Dishforth
A1 Darrington to Dishforth
- Status
- Current
- Located in
- Area 12
- Scheme type
- Design, Build, Finance and Operate
The Project
The A1 through Yorkshire forms part of a strategic link in the national network between Scotland, the north-east and the south of England.
The A1 Darrington to Dishforth DBFO Project comprises improvements to and the operation and maintenance of 33 miles (53km) of the A1(M)/A1(T) between Darrington, south of the A1(M)/M62 Interchange and the A1(M)/A168 Interchange at Dishforth, east of Ripon and includes three Programme of Major Schemes improvements, A1(M) Wetherby to Walshford (completed), A1(M) Ferrybridge to Hook Moor (completed) and A1 Bramham to Wetherby, an ECI scheme under construction by Balfour Beatty and to be handed to RMS on completion.
Additionally the project includes improvements to motorway signing, signalling and emergency telephones.
Key Data
| Length of Project Road | 53km |
|---|---|
| Estimated Construction Cost | £245M |
| Contract Award | 13 Feb 2003 |
| Commencement | 7 May 2003 |
| First Opened to Traffic | Programme of Major Schemes improvements: A1(M) Wetherby to Walshford - August 2005 |
| End of Contract Period | 33 years after commencement |
| DBFO Company | Road Management Services (Darrington) Ltd (RMS) |
| Type of Road | Dual 3 Lane Motorway |
| Shareholders | Infrastructure Investors Ltd LST A1 Limited Trillium PPP Holdings Limited Kellogg Brown & Root Limited |
| Contractors | Morgan Est Carillion Dragados KBR |
Discussion
The A1 Darrington to Dishforth DBFO Contract was awarded to Road Management Services (Darrington) Ltd in February 2003.
The project construction is now complete and Road Management Services are undertaking all maintenance activities from new purpose built offices in the Highways Agency Motorway Maintenance Depot off the A168 at Boroughbridge (A1(M) junction 48).
The A1(M) Wetherby to Walshford Section was fully opened to traffic in August 2005.
The A1(M) Ferrybridge to Hook Moor Section was fully opened to traffic on 20 January 2006.
Work on the A1 Bramham to Wetherby programme of Major Schemes improvement to up-grade the A1 all purpose trunk road section around Wetherby to motorway standard started May 2007 and is being progressed as an independent scheme. On completion RMS will assume operational responsibility as an integral part of the overall Project.
New electronic signs and signals have been installed along the entire length of the road. These variable message signs provide drivers with important travel information such as advice about road traffic accidents, temporary hazards on the roads and speed restrictions, as well as road safety messages.
This A1 DBFO project is unique by the fact that Road Management Services will be paid by the Highways Agency under a new payment arrangement. The payment mechanisms will incentivise RMS to operate this length of the A1(M) such that congestion is kept to an absolute minimum and that the highest standards of safety are achieved. The new payment arrangements which have not been used anywhere else in the world will ensure the highest standards of service to the travelling public by encouraging the operator to deliver a safe road providing reliable journeys with the maximum information for travellers.
RMS has employed the services of Carillion to undertake all routine maintenance on the A1 network as part of their operational duties.
