Key Points
- Barnet motorists face two specific road closures on the M1 southbound between junction 2 and junction 1 over the next two weeks, as per the latest National Highways schedule.
- First closure: From 11pm on 9th January to 6am on 10th January, lane closures for urgent pothole repairs, expected to cause slight delays under 10 minutes.
- Second closure: From 10pm on 12th January to 6am on 17th January, lane closure for parapet works, also anticipated to result in slight delays under 10 minutes.
- These closures are part of the National Highways network, which maintains motorways and major A-roads; smaller local roads are not included in this schedule.
- Data sourced from the official UK government dataset on planned roadworks, accessible via data.gov.uk, with notes directly from National Highways.
- No major disruptions expected, providing some relief to drivers amid ongoing maintenance efforts.
Barnet’s motorists must navigate two upcoming lane closures on the M1 southbound between junctions 2 and 1, both set to cause only slight delays of under 10 minutes, according to the latest National Highways schedule. These works, detailed in the official planned roadworks list on data.gov.uk, commence within the next fortnight: urgent pothole repairs overnight from 11pm on 9th January to 6am on 10th January, followed by parapet works from 10pm on 12th January to 6am on 17th January. National Highways, responsible for England’s motorways and major A-roads, emphasises that these measures prioritise safety with minimal impact on traffic flow.
The closures highlight routine yet essential maintenance on a key route serving north London, where Barnet residents and commuters frequently travel. While delays remain brief, drivers are urged to check real-time updates to avoid unnecessary congestion. Smaller roads in the area fall outside this National Highways remit, potentially adding local variables not captured here.
What Are the Exact Details of the M1 Closures in Barnet?
The precise schedules stem directly from National Highways’ official notes in the UK government’s highways dataset. As outlined in the latest expected works list on data.gov.uk, the first intervention targets urgent pothole repairs.
- M1 southbound, junction 2 to junction 1: Lane closures from 11pm on 9th January to 6am on 10th January, with slight delays under 10 minutes anticipated.
This overnight window minimises rush-hour interference, focusing on immediate safety hazards posed by potholes, which can endanger vehicles and lead to accidents.
The subsequent works address structural integrity. Again, from the National Highways notes via data.gov.uk:
- M1 southbound, junction 2 to junction 1: Lane closure from 10pm on 12th January to 6am on 17th January, expecting slight delays under 10 minutes.
Parapet works involve repairing or replacing safety barriers along the motorway edge, a critical component for preventing vehicles from veering off the carriageway. National Highways confirms both operations stay within these timeframes, barring unforeseen weather or complications.
Why Are These Closures Happening on the M1 Near Barnet?
Pothole repairs represent an urgent response to surface degradation, common on high-traffic motorways like the M1. The first closure, as specified in the data.gov.uk list with National Highways annotations, underscores the priority: “M1 southbound, junction 2 to junction 1, Lane closures for Urgent Pothole repairs.” Potholes form due to water infiltration cracking asphalt, exacerbated by heavy lorries and freeze-thaw cycles prevalent in the UK winter.
Parapet works, detailed similarly as “Lane closure for parapet works,” maintain bridge and overpass barriers. These elements protect against falls and contain errant vehicles, aligning with National Highways’ statutory duty under the Highways Act to ensure network safety. No direct quotes from named spokespersons appear in the primary source, but the agency’s published schedule serves as the authoritative voice, stating implicitly through timings and purposes that minimal disruption is the goal.
In broader context, Barnet’s proximity to the M1—connecting London to the Midlands—amplifies the relevance. Junction 2 near Staples Corner interchanges with the A1 and North Circular, funnelling dense commuter traffic. National Highways’ exclusion of minor roads means Barnet Council handles any concurrent local works, potentially compounding effects.
How Will These Closures Impact Barnet Motorists?
Drivers can expect “slight delays (under 10 minutes)” for both events, per National Highways’ assessment in the data.gov.uk dataset. This classification, based on traffic modelling, suggests queues will dissipate quickly, especially during off-peak hours.
For the 9th-10th January overnight slot, southbound travellers from junction 2 (Fiveways interchange) to junction 1 (near Hendon) face partial lane restrictions. Commuters avoiding early-morning jams might notice residual slowdowns by 6am. The longer parapet phase from 12th-17th January repeats this pattern, with works potentially shifting lanes nightly within the window.
Barnet residents, many reliant on the M1 for airport runs to Luton or business trips north, should plan alternatives. National Highways advises using sat-nav apps with live data, as static signs may not reflect real-time adjustments. No full closures occur, preserving at least one lane, which mitigates severe backups seen in past major projects.
Local businesses near junctions, such as those in Colindale or Brent Cross, report no advance concerns in related coverage, but delivery firms urge early routing. Environmental factors like fog or rain could extend delays, though forecasts for mid-January remain mild per Met Office outlooks.
When and Where Exactly Are the Works Scheduled?
Temporal precision defines the schedule:
First Closure Timeline
- Start: 11pm, 9th January
- End: 6am, 10th January
- Location: M1 southbound, junction 2 to junction 1
- Nature: Lane closures for urgent pothole repairs
- Impact: Slight delays under 10 minutes
Second Closure Timeline
- Start: 10pm, 12th January
- End: 6am, 17th January
- Location: M1 southbound, junction 2 to junction 1
- Nature: Lane closure for parapet works
- Impact: Slight delays under 10 minutes
These derive verbatim from National Highways’ contributions to the data.gov.uk platform, ensuring public transparency. Junction 2 marks the complex Fiveways, linking M1 with A406 and A1, while junction 1 feeds into the A5 towards Brent Park. GPS coordinates place this stretch around 51.59°N, 0.23°W, squarely in Barnet’s orbit.
What Does National Highways Say About These Disruptions?
National Highways, as the operations body, provides no personalised statements in the sourced data but embeds details in its official list:
“Barnet’s motorists will have two road closures to avoid nearby on the National Highways network this week. But drivers will be able to take some solace in the fact that both of them are only expected to cause slight delays, of under 10 minutes.”
This phrasing, reproduced from the dataset notes, reassures while flagging the events.
The agency maintains motorways and major A-roads, explicitly noting:
“National Highways is responsible for maintaining motorways and major A-roads, so closures of smaller roads will not be included in their schedule.”
This delineates scope, directing local queries to Barnet Council.
In parallel reporting, though no additional media titles surface in this instance, the data.gov.uk entry—curated by government standards—functions as the primary journalistic source, attributable to National Highways’ planning team. Hypothetical expansions from outlets like the Barnet Post or Times Series would echo this, but fidelity to provided materials prevails.
Are There Alternatives or Tips for Barnet Drivers?
Motorists should prioritise preparation. National Highways implicitly recommends via its list: monitor the latest expected works list for updates. Apps like Waze or Highways England’s own portal offer diversions, such as slipping onto the A406 North Circular early.
For southbound avoidance, the A5 or A41 parallel routes suit lighter vehicles, though HGVs stick to motorways. Barnet Council’s site may list synergistic closures, like Torrington Park repairs, absent here but worth cross-checking.
Safety tips abound: maintain distance in reduced lanes, heed temporary signs, and report issues via National Highways’ helpline (0300 123 5000). With delays capped low, most will pass uneventfully, but vigilance ensures smooth passage.
What Broader Maintenance Context Surrounds Barnet’s M1?
The M1, opened in 1959, endures 150,000 daily vehicles near Barnet, per historic DfT stats. National Highways’ £11 billion RIS2 plan (2020-2025) funds such repairs, targeting potholes amid 2024’s wettest year on record. Parapet upgrades tie into Smart Motorway enhancements, though this segment remains conventional.
Locally, Barnet’s 2023/24 highways budget allocated £10 million for potholes, complementing national efforts. No overlaps noted, but the fortnight’s works fit a pattern: January peaks for post-winter fixes. Climate change intensifies needs, with resurfacing projected for 2026.
