Hitchin motorists: Get set for nightly M1 road closures - with overnight works set to last for three months

Parts of the M1 near to Hitchin are set to shut overnight for the next three months because of 'safety improvements'.

The move comes after National Highways plan to upgrade traffic signs, clear vegetation while also carrying out general maintenance between junctions 8 and 9.

The first closures will begin today, Monday (June 27), and last until Friday, September 30. It is set to take up to 14 weeks depending on the weather.

Work will be carried out between 10pm and 5am on weeknights only. Traffic will be diverted while highways officers work on the strategic route.

A spokesperson for the National Highways said: "We are renewing road markings and studs, repairing joint, resurfacing the carriageway, upgrading traffic signs, clearing vegetation and completing general maintenance.

"Once complete, drivers will benefit from a safer, smoother and a better-defined road surface."

M1 closure timetable / routes of diversions

Monday 27 June to Saturday 30 July. M1 northbound between junctions 8 and 9:

Traffic will be diverted onto the A414 westbound, A4147 Maylands Avenue to Swallowdale Lane, Redbourn Road, B487 Redbourn Road and A5183 Dunstable Road to re-join the M1 northbound at junction 9.

Monday August 1 to Saturday 30 August. M1 southbound between junctions 9 and 8:

Traffic will be diverted onto the A5183 Dunstable Road, then the B487 Redbourn Road, Redbourn Road, Swallowdale Lane, A4147 Maylands Avenue and then take the A414 eastbound to re-join the M1 southbound at junction 8.

Tuesday 30 August to Saturday 17 September. Junction 9 southbound exit slip road:

Continue south on the M1, exit at J8 and head east on the A414, going round Breakspear way roundabout, return west on the A414, re-joining the M1 at J8 and then head north on the M1 to exit at J9.

Monday September 19 to Friday 30 September. A414 Park Street roundabout westbound to M1 junction 8 exit slip road:

Motorway: Westbound traffic travelling from Park Street roundabout to M1 junction 8 exit slip onto A414 will be diverted southbound on North Orbital Road to M1 counter-clockwise at M1 junction 21A to join the A41 northbound to Two Waters Road northbound then to A414 St Albans Road eastbound to A414 Breakspear Way.

Non-motorway: Westbound traffic travelling from Park Street roundabout to M1 junction 8 exit slip onto A414 will be diverted onto Watling Street, St Stephens Hills A5183 northbound and westbound onto the A4147 to join A414 Breakspear Way