New End Date Announced for M1 50mph Roadworks on Dangerous Smart Motorway
M1 roadworks between junctions 28 and 30 will take longer than expected, causing ongoing traffic disruptions and safety concerns for drivers.
M1, Roadworks, Nottingham, UK, Smart Motorways, Traffic Safety
Nottingham: The M1 is facing extended roadworks between junctions 28 and 30. National Highways has admitted that the completion date was incorrectly listed. They initially said it would wrap up by the end of January, but that’s not the case anymore.
Previously, work between junctions 23a and 25 finished in December, adding six emergency areas along that stretch. Now, they’re planning to install twenty new emergency areas between junctions 28 and 30. This means one lane will be closed, and a 50mph speed limit is in effect to keep everyone safe.
These emergency zones are painted bright yellow and are about 100 meters long. They serve as a substitute for the hard shoulder. A spokesperson from National Highways mentioned that they’re almost done with the construction and will soon start testing the new tech before opening the areas.
They’re aiming for a completion date in spring 2025, with hopes to lift the speed restrictions by the end of March. When the project kicked off in May 2023, there were serious concerns about safety, especially with over 75 deaths linked to smart motorways.
One driving instructor from Nottingham, Adam Majstrow, shared his worries. He almost crashed into a lorry while heading to East Midlands Airport. He believes having a hard shoulder is crucial for safety, especially when vehicles break down.
In response to safety concerns, the Government has committed £390 million to enhance emergency areas on smart motorways. These areas are designed to give drivers a safe spot to stop if they can’t exit the motorway.
National Highways claims they’ve listened to drivers’ worries about finding safe stopping points. They argue that smart motorways are statistically safer than traditional ones, but many drivers still feel uneasy.
After the roadworks between junctions 23a and 25 were completed, some motorists voiced their frustrations. One driver called the removal of the hard shoulder a “ridiculous design error,” while others echoed the need to bring it back.
Dean Watson, a haulage company owner, expressed that driving on smart motorways is risky, especially in larger vehicles. He believes the lack of a hard shoulder contributes to accidents and delays.
In May 2023, the Department for Transport acknowledged public concerns and canceled plans for new smart motorway schemes. They’re investing £900 million in safety improvements for existing ones, aiming to restore driver confidence.