What is happening?

We propose to improve the M1 by making it a "managed motorway" between junctions 32 and 35a. 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?

In the October 2010 Spending Review, the Chancellor announced that the M1 junctions 32-35a Managed Motorway scheme will be prepared for start of construction before 2015.

Start of construction on this scheme is subject to the completion of environmental assessment. Work on the assessment is ongoing, and once we have completed this work, we will be able to update on delivery timescales. Find out more about our Current Delivery Programme.

In the meantime, we intend to carry out some maintenance renewal works to the central barrier and verge on this section of the M1 during the early summer months. These works do not affect the outcome of the statutory processes for the managed motorways scheme

This Managed Motorway scheme will be carried out on the M1 between junctions 32-35a, located between Rotherham and Sheffield.

Why is this happening and what will it cost?

The M1 in South Yorkshire is an important route for regional and international traffic. The section between Junction 32 (M18) and Junction 35 (A616) carries more than 110,000 vehicles each day and suffers from congestion and delay at peak times.

The estimated cost of this scheme is in the range of £124m to £174m.

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. 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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