A1(M) junction 6 to junction 3 smart motorway update from Highways England
highways England are currently developing the detailed design for a smart motorway between A1(M) junctions 6 and 8.
This scheme will be “All Lane Running”. This means that the hard shoulder will be converted into a permanent running lane for drivers to help reduce congestion and variable speed limits will be used to smooth traffic flow. The new scheme will mean drivers will benefit from a three-lane motorway between junction 3 (Hatfield) and junction 9 (Baldock / Letchworth).
Work on the A1(M) J6-8 will start in March 2020. The existing hard shoulder will be strengthened so t two lanes can be kept open for traffic when work starts on the central reservation, minimising disruption for road users as much as possible.
Work starting March 2020 will include:
- detailed design development
- strengthening the hard shoulder
- structural survey work
- site clearance, including vegetation on the verge
- detailed topography, drainage and road surface surveys
- installing new gantry structures to display overhead electronic message signs
- installing CCTV cameras with full coverage of all the lanes
- installing incident detection and automatic sign systems
- installing enforcement cameras
- installing emergency roadside telephones
- installing electronic signals and signage
- constructing emergency areas (identifiable by orange road surfaces), with distinctive advanced signs
- upgrading central reservation by installing rigid concrete barrier
- laying low-noise road surface
- replanting the verges
Timeline
Date | Event |
---|---|
December 2014 | Government announces scheme |
March 2020 | Works start |
TBC | Works complete |
For more information please click here.