Start of works on a £120M 'Smart Motorway' contract has begun ahead of programme to add capacity to a 10km stretch of the M1 between junctions 39 and 42 near Wakefield. Work was originally due to begin during the next financial year.

The same Bam Nuttall/Morgan Sindall joint venture that recently delivered another Smart Motorway project – previously referred to as a Managed Motorway – between junctions 25 and 30 of the M62 has been awarded this new contract.

Central to the Smart Motorway project is the conversion of hard shoulders to a permanently trafficked lane. Variable mandatory speed limits, displayed on overhead gantries and verge mounted signs, are designed to smooth traffic flow and reduce congestion.

Roads Minister Robert Goodwill said: “More than 113,000 vehicles use this section of the M1 every day, which means congestion is a serious problem and likely to increase significantly unless action is taken now.

"That is why Government has invested £120M to help improve access and traffic flow on this vital economic route, with road users and businesses set to benefit sooner with work starting earlier than planned.”

Work is due to be completed in September 2015.

Gary Crisp, contracts director for the Bam Nuttall/Morgan Sindall joint venture, said: “We are delighted that our previous experience gained on a range of highways schemes, including the M62, has ensured we are best placed to provide the travelling public with this improved road network."

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