Skip to main content

Fire damage closes bridge over UK's M1 motorway

Following a fire at a scrapyard under the motorway (one of Britain’s busiest) in April, extensive investigation, assessment and structural reinforcement work has taken place non-stop.
February 22, 2012 Read time: 1 min
A UK Highways Agency photograph shows the metal support structure below the M1 after the fire damage. (David Townend Photography).
WHILE ALL three lanes in both directions are now open between junctions 1 and 4 on the M1 motorway, north of London, UK, further closures will be required.

Following a fire at a scrapyard under the motorway (one of Britain’s busiest) in April, extensive investigation, assessment and structural reinforcement work has taken place non-stop.

An 80km/hour speed limit is in force over the viaduct for safety reasons.

The 1441 UK Highways Agency says that it is likely there will be a need for further closures to enable permanent repair work to be undertaken. This will be planned to minimise disruption as far as possible.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Bridge under discussion for UK’s River Thames
    June 19, 2012
    Engineering specialist AECOM will carry out a study into the proposed Lower Thames Crossing project in the UK.
  • Grey ‘stealth’ speed cameras on UK motorways
    February 6, 2014
    Grey ‘stealth’ speed cameras are set to be installed on busy stretches of UK motorways to target motorists driving above the 70mph limit, according to new Highways Agency (HA) plans. Parts of the M1, M25 and M6 will have the cameras, dubbed ‘stealth’ cameras by those opposing their introduction. Motorway speed cameras have in the past been situated primarily on stretches where roadworks were taking place. The cameras will appear on parts of ‘smart’ motorways and will allow traffic to flow more effectively a
  • Closer ties with Highways England Collaborative Delivery Framework
    April 13, 2017
    Highways England is reconsidering its procurement to encourage innovation and ultimately deliver more for less. Kristina Smith spoke to client, contractors and material suppliers to find out more. A group of senior managers is being addressed by a local resident who lives close to some proposed road works. The resident is angry, persistent and quite rude. The question is: how will these managers respond?
  • Solving the Nation’s Roadwork Crisis with Greater Industry Collaboration
    December 31, 2024
    Nick Smee, Business Unit Director of Infrastructure at Causeway, discusses roadworks for the UK.