What is happening?

We propose to improve the M1 by making it a "managed motorway" between junctions 28 and 31. Managed motorways help relieve congestion by using technology to vary speed limits. They deliver these benefits at a significantly lower cost than conventional motorway widening and with less impact on the environment during construction.

When and where is this happening?

This scheme was originally part of the larger M1 Junctions 21-31 Contract 2 Widening Scheme, which was broken down into a number of smaller delivery schemes. The M1 Junctions 28 - 31 is the first of these smaller projects to be taken forward. This Managed Motorway scheme will be carried out on the M1 between junctions 28-31, located near Mansfield, Chesterfield and Worksop.

In the October 2010 Spending Review, the Chancellor announced that the M1 junctions 28-31 Managed Motorway scheme would be prepared for start of construction before 2015.

Following this, the 2012 Budget announcement confirmed the start of construction to be in financial year 2013/14, subject to the outcome of statutory processes. Since then, the Prime Minister announced that this scheme would be one of four schemes to be included in a pilot to significantly reduce te delivery time of road schemes; we have been challenged  to complete this scheme by Spring 2015. We intend to commence scheme construction between July and September 2013. Find out more about our Current Delivery Programme.

Why is this happening and what will it cost?

The M1 Junction 28 and 31 is a major strategic route connecting people, communities and businesses carrying around 95,000 vehicles per day.

At present the route currently suffers from:

• Congestion
• Unpredictable journey times
• And a higher than average accident rate

The estimated cost of this scheme is in the range of £163 million to £250 million.

How will the scheme be carried out?

Using our knowledge of operating the M42 and M6 managed motorway schemes we have developed the managed motorway concept. These developments include permanently converting the hard should to a running lane and developing the design so that schemes will have:

• Fewer overhead gantries which span the whole motorway
• Fewer signals over each lane and more verge mounting signing
• Comprehensive CCTV cameras – although there will no longer be the need for the dedicated cameras and operating systems required for opening and closing the hard shoulder.

A number of cameras, information signs and signals on gantries will be installed as part of the improvement scheme. As the scheme design progresses we will provide more information on the location of these features.  Signs and signals will still be used to inform drivers of conditions on the network and when variable speed limits are in place.

What are the benefits?

This project will relieve congestion and smooth the flow of the traffic, improving safety and journey times. These benefits will also support economic development in the region.

We already have evidence of the benefits that a managed motorway scheme can bring. The first managed motorway scheme opened to traffic on the M42 motorway in 2006. Recent analysis of the data gathered since opening has found that journey time reliability improved by 22 per cent and reduced emissions by up to 10 per cent due to traffic flowing more smoothly.

In addition, personal injury accidents have reduced by more than half (55.7%) since hard shoulder running was introduced. There was also an overall reduction in the severity of accidents with zero fatalities and fewer seriously injured.

How do I find out more information ?

More information will be posted on this project page as it becomes available. You can subscribe to be alerted when updates are made.

If you have any queries about this project you should contact the Highways Agency Information Line by emailing ha_​info@​highways.​gsi.​gov.​uk or calling 0300 123 5000.

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