National Highways’ plans to improve safety along the A1 in the East Midlands have moved a step closer following consultation over the closure of a series of gaps in the central reservation.

Eleven gaps between Little Ponton and South Witham in Lincolnshire are now earmarked for closure in the coming weeks in response to safety concerns raised by local communities. This is 20% of the gaps in the county.

Following extensive consultation which began last year, National Highways is moving to the next stage in the process with traffic orders to be published next week. If there are no objections, work can get under way to close the gaps.

This is the first phase in National Highways’ safety improvements plan with larger gaps across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Rutland, between Blyth and Stamford, being considered for closure in the next phase.

National Highways Route Manager, Phil Shaw, said:

“This is the first milestone in a complex legal and technical process which will ultimately improve safety along the A1 across the whole region.

“We have listened to the concerns of local people and developed a long-term plan for this busy road which demonstrates our commitment to improving safety here for both road users and local people.

“There has been a lot of support for closing these gaps during our conversations with local communities.”

Consultation began late last year on 16 gaps in total, all of which are used for field or pedestrian access. Talks are still taking place with local authorities around the outstanding five including some issues regarding public rights of way.

In addition, safety improvements and essential maintenance works have been taking place between South Witham and Little Ponton since January.  

Pic: Mapillary