Press release

Weekend closures on A50 as part of M1 J24 improvements in Leicestershire

Road users are advised of two weekend closures on the A50 from this weekend as part of the M1 junction 24 improvement works in Leicestershire.

The closures will enable contractors to safely carry out drainage, kerbing and surfacing works on the west side of the roundabout at Junction24

Highways Agency Assistant Project Manager Robin Jackson said:

We are hoping that if the weather is good and work progresses well on the first weekend we might not need to close it for as long the second weekend.

During the closures we advise all road users to allow extra time for their journeys, particularly if they have a flight to catch at East midlands Airport.

The A50 westbound carriageway will be closed between Junction 24 and Warren Lane roundabout from 8pm on Friday 5 December to 6am on Monday 8 December and again between the same times the following weekend, 12 to 15 December. Traffic will be diverted via the M1 northbound carriageway to Junction 25 and then southbound on the M1 back to Junction 24a to re-join the A50.

In addition the A453 northbound carriageway (towards A453 from East Midlands Airport) will be closed overnight at Finger Farm roundabout during these weekends from 8pm until 6am. Traffic will be diverted via the M1 southbound carriageway to Junction 23 and then northbound on the M1 back to Junction 24. Local diversions will be in place for non-motorway traffic.

There will also be day-time lane closures on the A453 northbound carriageway, M1 northbound exit slip road and the circulatory carriageway at Junction 24 during these weekends

The M1 junction 24 scheme is part of the Government’s Pinchpoint Programme and will reduce congestion by creating a new road across the middle of the existing junction to provide a direct link from the A50 eastbound to the M1 southbound.

For full details of the M1 junction 24 closures and diversions, and to sign up for free email updates, visit the Highways Agency’s website. or call 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 2 December 2014