M1 junction 32 to 35a emergency area retrofit

From June 2023 we are set to build an additional 13 emergency areas on the M1 between junction 32 (Thurcroft) and junction 35a (Stocksbridge). This is in addition to the existing 8.

Start date June 2023

End date Winter 2024

Cost

Latest updates

10 September 2024

Progress update - September 2024

Work progressing well on motorway upgrade

Our work to retrofit 13 emergency areas between junctions 32 to 35A began in June 2023 has been progressing well. The locations are shown on the below map.

Some of our work has been below the carriageway and not visible to our customers as they drive by.

An example of this is between junctions 33 for the A630 and 34 for Meadowhall where we have built a long retaining wall and 16m high embankment using 20,000kgs of recycled material to raise the ground up to the level of the carriageway to build an emergency area.

Here are some recent images showing the extent of that hidden work.

What’s coming up?
We have removed all our temporary vehicle restraint system between J34 and J35 on the M1.

The is a key Milestone for us, as it allows the start of the technology commissioning to commence.

Lanes two, three and four will be full width and open.

Lane one will remain coned off to allow us to complete finishing works.

Please be aware that a reduced speed limit (50mph) is still in place for safety, as all the technology will not be fully active at this stage.

Temporary CCTV will continue to monitor the motorway and free recovery can be used if you breakdown.

When this phase of work is finished, we will provide an update on what’s happening next on the scheme.
For up to date information about our works please use our Traffic Information.

See more updates

Project information

We have listened to drivers' concerns about being able to find a safe place to stop in an emergency on all lane running (ALR) smart motorways.

We have been developing a programme to create additional emergency areas on sections of ALR motorway across the country, including an additional 12 emergency areas on the M1 between junctions 32 and 35A, in addition to the existing eight.

To help us carry out the upgrade safely, the left-hand lane will be closed throughout construction. Lanes two, three and four will remain open with a 50mph speed limit in place.

All existing emergency areas on the M1 will remain open wherever possible throughout construction.

At limited locations where it is necessary to temporarily close an emergency area, a new temporary emergency area will be provided nearby and clearly signed.

A section of hard shoulder over the Tinsley viaduct south of junction 34 will remain in place, though for a period during construction drivers will need to pass between cones to access it.

The upgrade is part of work to add more emergency areas to all lane running motorways across the country.

On motorways that don’t have a permanent hard shoulder, emergency areas provide a place to stop in an emergency if you can't exit the motorway or stop at a motorway service area.

They are clearly signed at regular intervals along the motorway and have bright orange road surfaces to help you identify them. At 100 metres long, they have plenty of space for even the largest lorry plus a recovery vehicle and they are equipped with emergency telephones linking directly to our control rooms to get help on the way quickly.