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Preferred Route Announcement
M1 Jct 10 to 13 Widening
Decision of the Secretary of State
The Secretary of State for Transport has considered the views of those who responded to the Public Consultation and the recommendations of the Highways Agency.
He agrees with the proposals and accordingly announces the Preferred Route outlined below.
The Preferred Route
The widening and junction improvements aim to increase road safety by relieving traffic congestion, specifically:
- Provision of an additional lane of traffic in both directions on the M1 to relieve present congestion and to accommodate predicted future flows.
- Existing junctions will be improved to match the increased capacity of the motorway.
- Replacement or strengthening of structures.
- Existing footpaths and bridleways crossing the motorway are to be retained or diverted.
- Crossing points for pedestrians and other non-motorised users will be provided at the modified junctions where public rights of way exist.
Map of Preferred Route (177 KB GIF)
The Environment
Some additional land will need to be acquired for the widening and to allow for introduction of environmental measures such as earth mounds, landscaping and balancing ponds.
Traffic noise will be reduced by the use of earth mounds or barriers where adjacent residential areas are affected. At Junction 11, Luton, we anticipate that noise barriers will be needed. The exisiting noise panels at Junction 11 will be re-used where possible when the existing fence line is relocated.
What Happens Next?
The route indicated here is now designated the Preferred Route and is protected from development.
Using the Early Contractor Involvement initiative, the Highways Agency has appointed Costain / Mowlem Joint Venture with their designer Scott Wilson to develop the Preferred Route and prepare the draft Orders and Environmental Statement required under the Highways Act 1980.
At that stage there will be further publicity and opportunity for the general public to show support for, comment on or object to the scheme. If necessary a Public Inquiry will be held before an independent Inspector.
The Secretary of State for Transport will consider the Inspector's report together with any objections and representations made before making his decision on whether the scheme should proceed.
Further Information
More information on the Public Consultation and the Preferred Route Announcement is available from the Publications section of this site.
Two reports have been prepared:
- Public Consultation Report: which summarises the responses to the public consultation.
- Scheme Assessment Report: which explains the factors that determined the choice of route.
These reports can be inspected during office hours until the 6th April 2006 at the following locations:
- South Bedfordshire District Council
The District Office
High Street North
Dunstable
Bedfordshire
LU6 1LF- Milton Keynes Council
Environmental Directorate
PO Box 113
Civic Offices
MK9 3HN- Bedfordshire County Council
Environmental Strategy
County Hall
Cauldwell Street
Bedford
MK42 9AP- Flitwick Town Council
The Rufus Centre
Steppingley Road
Flitwick
Bedfordshire
MK45 1AH- Luton Borough Council
Town Hall
George Street
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 2BQ- Mid Beds District Council
The Limes
Dunstable Street
Ampthill
Bedfordshire
MK45 2JU
Copies of these reports have also been sent to Luton Central Library, Milton Keynes Central Library, Houghton Regis Library, Toddington Library, Dunstable Library, and Flitwick Library. They have been asked to make them accessible to local people on request.
Copies can also be purchased from the Highways Agency at the address below (the charges cover the cost of printing and materials only):
Report on the Public Consultation £14.00
Scheme Assessment Report £18.00
If you require more information you can contact:
M1 J10 - 13 Widening Team
Highways Agency
5 Broadway
Broad Street
Birmingham B15 1BL
