Lane closures and a 50mph speed limit are expected to be in place on stretches of the M1 in Northamptonshire until August.

National Highways will be completing remedial works on embankments at four of the new emergency areas between junction 16 and 19 of the M1.

Works were completed last year to install the emergency areas, but an investigation following the completion found that four of the embankments needed strengthening to ensure their “long-term functionality”.

The left-hand lane will be closed and a speed limit of 50mph will be implemented around each area where work takes place.

Stretches of the M1 in Northamptonshire will see a lane closure and 50mph speed limit while remedial works are carried out.

placeholder image — Stretches of the M1 in Northamptonshire will see a lane closure and 50mph speed limit while remedial works are carried out.

In a letter sent to residents, Sean O’Neil from National Highways said: "Last year, work to more than double places to stop in an emergency along this section of the M1 was completed. Following a post-construction geotechnical investigation, it was identified that embankments at four of the new emergency areas require remedial works to strengthen them and ensure their long-term functionality.

“Three of these emergency areas are located on the southbound carriageway, and one on the northbound carriageway of the M1 between junctions 16 and 19.

"Around each area where work is taking place, the left-hand lane will be closed, and a maximum 50mph speed limit will be in place as a precaution while works are underway.”

National Highways added that Stopped Vehicle Detection technology will continue to operate during the roadworks, except in the immediate vicinity of the four emergency areas being worked on, where it will temporarily be switched off.

All existing emergency areas not effected will also remain open wherever possible and a free recovery service will be in place throughout the roadworks.

Works begin on Monday June 8, with temporary traffic management installed on the southbound carriageway from junction 19 (Catthorpe Interchange) to junction (Kislingbury) and on the northbound carriageway between junction 16 (Kislingbury) and junction 17 (M45).

To install the temporary traffic management, junction 18 southbound entry and exit slip roads and the M45 to M1 southbound link road will be closed overnight from 9pm on Monday June 8 until 6am on Tuesday June 9. Watford Gap Services northbound entry and exit slip roads will also be closed from 9pm on Tuesday June 9 until 6am on Wednesday June 10.

All work is currently scheduled to be complete in August 2026.