M1 roadworks continue through Easter

National Highways is replacing the existing steel central reservation barrier between junctions 10 and 13

Roadworks on the M1 between junctions 10 and 13 will continue through Easter.

The work, which has led to increased congestion, involves removing the existing central reservation barrier and replacing it with a new one.

National Highways said about 98% of England’s motorway and major A road network would be free from roadworks over the Easter holiday period.

However, it added that removing the works on the M1 through Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire was not feasible as it would take too long to remove and reinstate the traffic management.

More than eight miles (12.9km) of the old steel central reservation barrier between junctions 10 and 13 has been removed.

National Highways said that replacing it with a concrete barrier would improve safety as it would reduce the risk of vehicles crossing over from one carriageway to another.

It explained that concrete barriers were virtually maintenance free and would last twice as long as normal metal barriers, with less need for closures for routine repairs.

Motorists have experienced long delays and increased congestion since the work began in January.

National Highways said more than 140,000 vehicles use this section of motorway each day and aside from the occasional breakdown it could not see any other reason for the congestion aside from the junctions being busy.

It apologised for the inconvenience and added it would continue to liaise with local businesses and public transport providers as the work continued.

The motorway will reopen in three phases from south to north as the new concrete barrier is completed.

The first section is expected to open this summer with the whole stretch fully open by the end of Spring 2025.