Lorry overtaking restriction made permanent to cut congestion on A1 (M) near Durham
A daytime ban on overtaking by heavy vehicles on two stretches of the A1(M) in County Durham becomes permanent on 31 March after a successful 18 month trial resulted in less congestion and improved journey time reliability.
The restriction will be in place between 7am and 7pm each day on two uphill stretches of the southbound carriageway of the A1(M) between Junction 63 and Lumley New Bridge, and between Junction 61 and Bishop Middleham.
Lorries of 7.5 tonnes and over will be restricted from using the outside lane between those times, leaving it clear for faster, lighter traffic and help ensure more reliable journeys for all road users. Results from the trial indicate that overall average journey times have improved, with no adverse impact on HGV journey times.
Highways Agency Route Performance Manager, Steve Bishop, said:
“We are committed to tackling congestion and making journeys on our roads safer and more reliable. On average, 26,000 vehicles use this stretch of motorway each day, and almost 20% of these are HGVs. Heavier vehicles often slow down on uphill sections of road, which can cause frustration among other road users caught up in queues.
“The trial brought a welcome cut in congestion and improvement in journey time reliability and by making the restriction permanent people who use this motorway will again see the benefits.
“We will continue to monitor the impact of the scheme on traffic flows and journey time reliability to ensure the restriction remains a success. Road signs advising people of the restriction will be put up along these sections of the A1(M).”
A similar lorry overtaking ban became permanent in August 2009 on the northbound carriageway of the M42, between junctions 10 and 11 near Tamworth.
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