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The M1 motorway is one of the most vital transport routes in the United Kingdom. It links London with major cities in the north such as Leeds and Sheffield.
The whole motorway stretches approximately 193 miles (311 km). It was the country’s first full-length motorway and today remains a crucial part of the UK’s road infrastructure.
Due to its importance for both commuters and long-distance travelers, the M1 experiences heavy traffic and frequent delays.
This makes knowing when sections are planned to be closed for maintenance or work incredibly important for drivers planning their journey.
Each week we display the planned road closures on the M1 for the coming 7 days.
Helping you to stay informed of any potential closures. Including M1 closures today and M1 overnight closures
Given the size and importance of the M1 motorway, it is not a surprise that there are often regularly scheduled M1 roadworks required to keep it running smoothly.
Road number | Direction | Location | Scheduled start date | Scheduled end date | Closure details, including diversions |
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This data was provided by National Highways and up to date as of 22/07/2025
The M1 holds the distinction of being Britain’s first full-length motorway, with its origins tracing back to the 1950s.
Work began on the motorway during 1958. The first section (from St Albans to Rugby) was officially opened on 2nd November 1959 by the then Transport Minister Ernest Marples.
Over the following decades, the M1 has been extended quite extensively in both directions. Eventually linking up Leeds in the north and London in the south.
The most southern part of the M1, connecting to the North Circular (A406), was completed in 1977, fully integrating the route into London’s network.
Since it was first constructed, the M1 has undergone numerous upgrades. Meeting the ongoing traffic demands which evolve each year. Including widening schemes and conversion to smart motorway.
Smart Motorway Sections: Several parts of the M1, especially near major cities like Sheffield and Nottingham, now use variable speed limits and all-lane running to reduce congestion.
The M1 is one of the UK’s busiest roads.
So it is always a good idea to try and reduce the chances of getting caught in heavy traffic as much as you can.
Here are some tips to try and reduce the amount of time you are stuck in traffic on the M1:
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