Drivers warned of motorway works

Motorists have been advised to allow extra time for their journey

The first major changes to traffic management on the M1 widening project in the East Midlands will be made over the next few weeks.

The Highways Agency has advised motorists to take extra care when driving through the roadworks.

Fourteen miles (23km) of the motorway will be affected by the work between junctions 25 and 28.

A 50mph (80.47km/h) speed limit will be in force at times and traffic confined to three lanes with no hard shoulder.

'Milestone' improvements

Paul Tully of the Highways Agency said: "This is a major milestone for the widening improvements as it means we are coming to the end of the first of three distinct phases of work on the main carriageway.

"Over the coming few weeks drivers will notice a number of changes to the road layout.

"During the various stages of traffic management being removed and introduced elsewhere we advise drivers to be aware of those changes, allow extra time for their journey, take care when travelling through the works and obey all signs."

Work will start on Monday when the current narrow lanes on the southbound carriageway will be extended southwards from junction 26 to just past Trowell motorway service area.