Congestion cutting scheme begins on M18 in South Yorkshire
A Highways Agency scheme aimed at cutting congestion and improving journeys for drivers near Doncaster, South Yorkshire will begin this month.
The pinch point scheme on the M18 between junction 2 and junction 3 will increase capacity by widening the northbound carriageway to 3 lanes. Improvements will also take place to the junction 2 entry slip road and junction 3 exit slip road. Work will begin on 20 June and be completed at the end of December.
Pinch point schemes provide 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. Highways Agency Service Delivery Team Leader, Roger Wantling, said:
This scheme is great news for drivers in South Yorkshire. It will have a positive impact on drivers using these important junctions. Once complete the scheme will cut congestion and reduce journey times. This will be beneficial for the local economies and also improve safety for drivers using these junctions.
The £7m scheme will involve widening the northbound carriageway from 2 to 3 lanes, carrying out resurfacing and drainage work, barrier upgrades and technology improvements. New gantries and signs will be also installed on the northbound and southbound carriageways.
For the work to be carried out safely, traffic management including temporary safety barriers, 50mph average speed cameras and CCTV will be installed. Hard shoulder closures will be necessary and narrow lanes will be put in place to maintain 2 traffic lanes for drivers. A free vehicle recovery service will be operational for the length of the scheme.
There will be night time lane closures and occasional slip road closures. Total closures of the M18 in both directions including entry and exit slip roads will be required over 3 weekends. More details of these closures will be provided nearer the time.
The work is part of a £317m 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 Government’s growth initiative, outlined during the Chancellors Autumn Statement in November 2011.
There are 15 Highways Agency pinch point schemes, totalling an investment of over £37m, taking place in Yorkshire and Humber. Further information is available on the Highways Agency website. Information on the Pinch Point programme can be found on the Highways Agency’s website.
These schemes are scheme is part of a major programme of road improvements planned in Yorkshire and Humber, with the region benefiting from over £550m of investments beginning this year.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000
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Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.