Drivers warned as M1 safety work starts

The Highways Agency says the essential work on the Tinsley Viaduct upper deck which carries the M1 between junction 34 north and junction 34 south near Sheffield will last until September.

The work will replace the existing central reservation safety barrier with a lightweight, high containment steel barrier.

Project manager, Tim Calvert, said the scheme would involve specialist engineering techniques.

“The new barrier units need to precisely positioned on the viaduct and only a small number of sections can be positioned at a time,” he said.

“In addition, essential central reservation concrete repairs, waterproofing and drainage renewal work will also be carried out.”

He added: “During the work we advise road users to plan their journeys to avoid delays.

“Safety is our top priority and for the safety of road users and road workers we encourage all drivers to drive carefully through the roadworks, keeping within the speed limit, and concentrating on the road ahead.”

Officials say that during the work two lanes will remain open over the viaduct and delays to drivers should be slight.

Lane two will be closed and drivers will use the hard shoulder and lane one.

A free vehicle recovery service will be in place throughout the scheme and a 50mph speed limit, enforced by speed cameras, will be in operation.

To install and remove the traffic management scheme, at the beginning and end of the work, the M1 will be closed between junction 34 north and junction 34 south, with signed diversion routes via Tinsley Viaduct lower deck. The M1 junction 33 northbound entry slip road and the M1 junction 34 north and southbound exit slip roads will also be closed over the same weekends, with signed diversion routes.