Planned works for  the A1(M) widening scheme junctions 43-44 

To increase capacity on the A1(M) northbound between junctions 43 (Hook Moor) and junction 44 (A64), there will be the creation of an additional lane within the original layout of the road. With the installation of new lights, drainage, verge barriers, a new CCTV camera and signage.

It is also planned to install ultra-low noise surfacing across all five lanes.

The extra lane will be created by converting some of the hard shoulder into a fifth lane to reduce the number of vehicles weaving between the junctions and help alleviate congestion in the area.

There will still be a hard shoulder in place but for 900m, there will be a two-metre emergency access route instead of the full-width hard shoulder.

When is this scheme happening?

The scheme due to begin in full on Saturday 28 March.

It is expected to take around five months to complete.

How will this affect residents? 

To carry out the work, we’ll have the hard shoulder and lane 1 closed 24/7 for around 3km. According to traffic modelling, delays are expected to be in line with those experienced during the central barrier upgrade, which are 10 minutes during the peak traffic periods.

Overnight closures

The A1(M) northbound will be closed overnight (8pm-6am) between junctions 43 and 44 as follows:

Nortthbound: 28 March and 8, 9 and 10 April

Southbound: 11 and 12 April

A clearly signed diversion will be in place.

There will be an environmental weight limit through Aberford in place during these closures.  

There will not be any traffic management in place in this area during the Leeds Festival period as this is a key area for potential disruption.

National Highways will be writing to all residents from Monday as although we have the project start date for 28^th March – on Saturday, we will be able to give more details through the letter which will go out to 600+ residents next week.

Application forms for this years festival will be available from 20th April 2026.

The quality of the hanging baskets has been poor this year as a result the Parish Council will not be charging sponsors next year.

Following the removal of the hanging baskets, it has further been decided that the Parish Council will not provide them in the future but instead will provide a more permanent alternative such as planters/flower boxes/pollinators in the village.

Residents sponsorship money which contributed towards the high cost of watering for this year’s baskets will also be used for providing these alternatives.

Vacancies exists on the Parish Council.

Please contact the Clerk for further information

clerk@aberford-pc.gov.uk