M1 Junction 19 Improvement Scheme (Catthorpe Interchange)
Catthorpe, Leicestershire, UK · 2014–2017 (completed) · £191 million
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe project successfully transformed one of the most complex and congested junctions in the UK into a free-flowing interchange. - It significantly improved journey times and safety for long-distance and local traffic. - The scheme demonstrated effective planning and execution for large-scale, complex highway upgrades. - The removal of roundabouts and introduction of free-flow movements was a key design decision to enhance capacity.
Key engineering challenges
Completely redesigning and rebuilding a complex, heavily trafficked interchange (over 142,000 vehicles per day) while maintaining traffic flow. - Constructing multiple new structures, including flyovers and underpasses, in a constrained environment. - Creating free-flow links to improve connectivity between three major motorways (M1, M6, A14). - Minimizing disruption to road users and local communities during a multi-year construction period.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- National Highways (formerly Highways England)
- Lead contractor
- Skanska
- Lead designers
- N/A (Integrated design and build)
- Project type
- upgrade
- Scale
- Redesigned and rebuilt intersection of M1, M6, and A14; removal of two roundabouts; construction of free-flow links; 2 new flyovers; 3 bridged underpasses.
- Disciplines
- civil; structural; geotechnical; environmental; transport planning
- Standards & frameworks
- NEC3; DMRB; CDM Regulations
Sources: Skanska (https://www.skanska.co.uk/expertise/projects/57310/M1-Junction-19-Improvement-Scheme) - National Highways (https://nationalhighways.co.uk/media/03xb3mou/m1-j19-three-year-post-opening-project-evaluation.pdf) - Toppesfield (https://www.toppesfield.com/case-studies/m1-j19-improvements) - Walters Group (https://walters-group.co.uk/newspost/m6-m1-junction-19-improvements-bulk-earthworks/)