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Yorkshire Times
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9:25 AM 26th June 2020
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Drivers Advised To Plan Journeys Around Key Yorkshire Interchange Closure

 
Road users are advised to plan their journeys ahead of vital maintenance work on a key Yorkshire interchange at the centre of the M1 and M62 motorway network.

Lofthouse Interchange (M1 junction 42 / M62 junction 29) near Leeds requires an eight-week closure to allow engineers to carry out a £3.6 million project on the roundabout’s four bridges.

Diversion routes for all affected traffic
Diversion routes for all affected traffic
Work to close the roundabout will start tomorrow (Friday 26 June) and all closures will be in place by Monday 29 June. Shutting the roundabout for the duration of the scheme will mean the work can be completed in the shortest time possible, minimising disruption.

The junction’s free flow link roads, which don’t require drivers to use the roundabout, will remain open and clearly signed diversion routes will be in place for all affected traffic.

Highways England project manager, Russell Mclean said:

“Our team of engineers have worked hard to get this work underway during this period when there were fewer vehicles on the roads. We understand completely that this work is going to have a large impact on drivers and we ask that drivers plan their journeys when travelling in the area.”

This complex engineering project on one of Yorkshire’s biggest structures is necessary to maintain a route that is key in supporting the region’s economy. It will also reduce disruption in the long term, as the improvements reduce the need for future repairs.

The closure will mean that anyone wishing to travel in the following directions will need to follow a signposted diversion route:

M1 northbound to M62 eastbound
M62 eastbound to M1 southbound
M62 westbound to M1 northbound

Diversions will take road users to the next junction on either the M1 or M62 and back to the Lofthouse Interchange where drivers can use the free-flowing link roads which remain open.

Further details of the scheme can be found on the Highways England website: https://highwaysengland.co.uk/projects/m1m62-lofthouse-bridge-work.

Regular updates will also be provided via Twitter by following @HighwaysYorks and using #Lofthouse.

Strict safeguarding measures will be in place on site to prevent the spread of COVID19 and will be closely monitored to keep the workforce and road users safe.