M1 Junction 13-16 Smart Motorway
Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, UK · 2017–2022 (completed) · £373 million
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchPart of the wider Smart Motorways Programme aimed at improving traffic flow, journey times, and safety. - Involved the conversion of the hard shoulder to a permanent running lane, increasing capacity. - The project was subject to scrutiny regarding smart motorway safety, leading to ongoing reviews and enhancements. - The scheme aimed to relieve congestion and smooth the flow of traffic on a vital inter-urban route.
Key engineering challenges
Upgrading a significant and busy section of the M1 to an all-lane running smart motorway. - Integrating complex technology and infrastructure within a live motorway environment. - Managing traffic flow and ensuring safety during construction on a strategic route connecting London and Leeds. - Addressing public concerns and implementing safety enhancements for smart motorways.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- National Highways (formerly Highways England)
- Lead contractor
- N/A (Further research needed if not found, but often part of larger framework)
- Lead designers
- N/A (Further research needed if not found)
- Project type
- upgrade
- Scale
- 23.5 miles (37.9 km) of all-lane running smart motorway; conversion of hard shoulder to a live lane; installation of new technology, gantries, and emergency areas.
- Disciplines
- civil; intelligent transport systems; electrical; environmental
- Standards & frameworks
- DMRB; CDM Regulations; Smart Motorway All-Lane Running standards
Sources: National Highways (https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/east/m1-junction-13-to-junction-16-smart-motorway/) - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/part-1-claim-m6-junction-2-to-junction-4-smart-motorway-scheme/m6-junction-2-to-junction-4-smart-motorway) - New Civil Engineer (https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/11-smart-motorway-schemes-put-on-ice-by-dft-13-01-2022/)