Press release

Congestion-busting scheme to start on M1 junction 24, Leicestershire

Work to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow at junction 24 of the M1 near Kegworth, Leicestershire, starts on Monday 16 June.

The £6million scheme will see the construction of a new carriageway in the middle of the junction to remove traffic travelling from the A50 to the M1 southbound from the roundabout and instead redirect it to the entry slip road at M1 junction 23a via the A453.

During the work, which is due to end in December 2014, there will be different phases of traffic management in place depending on what work is taking place at the time. A number of full overnight closures are planned together with two full weekend closures – on the south bridge and on one of the sections of carriageway between the A453 approach and the A50. Any full closures will generally take place over night to reduce their impact on the travelling public and notification and signing will be provided in advance.

Throughout the work there will be a 40mph speed limit in place.

Highways Agency Project Manager Kevin Harvey said:

The work will be carried out by Laing O’Rourke, who are the principal contractors for the widening of the A453. To have the same contractor for both sets of work will ensure a seamless merge between the two with tighter collaboration in terms of delivery and ensuring disruption is kept to a minimum.

We apologise in advance for the disruption and inconvenience experienced by road users and businesses, but the junction following this work will be much better and freer flowing, boosting the local economy and driving economic growth.

The work is part of a £317million pinch point improvement programme designed to boost local economies, reduce congestion and improve safety on the strategic road network in England. The programme is part of the UK Governments growth initiative, outlined during the Chancellors Autumn statement in November 2011.

The pinch point programme provides smaller scale improvements that can deliver big returns by easing congestion and making journey times more reliable for road users, including hauliers and commuters to help boost local economies and drive economic growth.

People can find out more about the scheme, including regular updates about traffic management and diversions on the Highways Agency’s website or by calling the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Published 13 June 2014