Published: 09/03/2010 10:30 -
Updated: 09/03/2010 10:32
Major maintenance work on the M1 to allow cars to use the hard shoulder started last week.
The work, between Junctions 10 and 13, will create an extra lane on the M1 in both directions to help ease traffic and congestion.
The work, between Junctions 10 and 13, will create an extra lane on the M1 in both directions to help ease traffic and congestion.
The Hard Running Shoulder Scheme was announced in January 2009 after the government made a U-turn over its initial decision to widen the motorway.
Luton & Dunstable Express exclusively revealed last month how the Highway's Agency needlessy spent £8.5 million between 1993 and 2008 buying properties for the widenening.
Streets in Luton were left abandoned and lifeless as houses were left empty for years.
Transport Minister Chris Mole said: "The M1 in Bedfordshire is the first stretch of motorway outside the West Midlands where we are introducing a Managed Motorways scheme. This means the hard shoulder can be opened as a running lane at busy times to ease congestion."
People travelling to and from Luton Airport are being warned to allow 'significant extra time' to their journeys in March.
Traffic restrictions will be in place this weekend at junctions 10 to 10a with carriageway closures in place overnight.
The work is expected to be completed by spring 2013 and could cost up to a maximum of £504 million.
For travel information from The Highways Department visit www.highways.gov.uk
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