UK Road Closed: National Highways

A section of the strategic road network in West Yorkshire has been closed due to essential maintenance works. From 19:00 on 11 August 2026 until 05:00 on 12 August 2026, the A1(M) motorway will be closed between junctions 45 and 46, near Leeds. This closure will have significant implications for road users in the region.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance, as the closure will cause major disruptions to traffic. National Highways, the UK's highways authority, has implemented the closure to allow maintenance crews to carry out repairs on the strategic road network. The works are essential to ensuring the safety and efficiency of the road, and will be completed as quickly as possible.

For those who rely on the A1(M) for their daily commute, or for those planning a long-distance journey, it is essential to check the latest traffic updates before setting out. A1(M) motorists can use alternative routes, such as the M62 and the M1, to reach their destinations. Checking traffic and travel apps, such as Waze or Google Maps, can also help drivers to plan the best route in real-time.

National Highways has been working closely with local authorities and traffic management teams to minimise the impact of the closure. However, road users can expect significant delays, especially during the peak hours of 07:00-09:00 and 16:00-18:00. It is crucial for drivers to allow extra time for their journeys and to consider alternative modes of transport, such as public transport or walking or cycling.

The highway authority has put in place a number of measures to help manage the traffic flow during the closure. These include lane closures, traffic signals, and diversion signs. Motorists are advised to follow the signed diversion routes and to keep to the recommended speed limits to ensure their safety and the safety of other road users.

National Highways is working to complete the maintenance works as quickly as possible, and the road is expected to reopen before the morning rush hour on 12 August 2026. For the latest information on the closure and for up-to-date traffic updates, you can visit Road Closures UK, a dedicated online resource that provides real-time information on road closures and traffic disruptions across the UK.