£5 million major improvements for M18 junction 5
Major improvement work has begun on the M18 at junction 5. The £5m pinch point scheme will widen the junction and install traffic signals, improving congestion and reducing journey times at this junction near Doncaster.
During the work there will be lane closures on the M18 junction 5 slip roads, the M18 northbound and southbound carriageway through the junction, the M180 westbound carriageway approaching the junction and the M180 Ings roundabout. There will also be occasional overnight slip road closures and a temporary 50 mph speed limit on the M18 south to M180 west free flow link.
For the duration of the scheme there will be no right turn at the top of the M18 southbound exit slip road meaning traffic wishing to access the services will have to travel a short diversion route via the M180 junction 5.
Highways Agency Project Manager, Steven Wright, said:
The work at this junction began earlier this month but has mainly been taking place in the motorway verges. However, over the past week we have put in place lane restrictions at the junction and we expect delays at peak times to increase once the schools return following the half term holiday. We have planned the work to try and minimise any delays to drivers and we ask that drivers take care when travelling through the roadworks, leaving extra time for their journeys. When complete, the scheme will cut congestion and improve journeys for drivers.
Work on the £5 million, M18 junction 5 pinch point scheme will be completed in March. The scheme will have a positive impact on drivers using this important junction, helping to reduce congestion and improve journey times. The scheme involves:
- Widening of part of the roundabout on the northern side of the junction to provide 3 traffic lanes.
- Installing traffic signals on the M180 westbound approach.
- Widening of the M18 southbound exit slip road to provide two lanes leading up to the roundabout and one lane leading to the M180 eastbound.
- Widening, resurfacing and laying road markings on the M18 northbound exit slip road to provide 4 traffic lanes.
- Widening, resurfacing and laying road markings on the M18 northbound entry slip road.
- Providing a reinforced concrete retaining wall on the M18 side of the southbound exit slip road.
- Improving drainage systems.
The work is part of the Government’s £317 million pinch point improvement programme designed to boost local economies, reduce congestion and improve safety on the strategic road network in England. There are 15 Highways Agency pinch point schemes, totalling an investment of over £55 million, taking place in Yorkshire and Humber.
Further information is available on the Highways Agency website. It also includes information on the Pinch Point programme.