The M1 in West Yorkshire will see its gantry installation programme recommence at the end of February, it has been announced.

Road closures in the area are part of the £120 million smart motorway scheme, which covers to an eight-mile area of the M1 between junctions 39 and 42. It will serve to cut congestion and make driving in the area easier in the years ahead. Overhead signage will be used to inform drivers of variable speed limits in a bid to better manage the flow of traffic.

The first part of this major project began on January 31st and is believed that it will be completed by February 21st. There will be a total of ten new overhead gantries installed along the M1 junction 39 to 42.

The next stage will see the motorway between junctions 39 and 41 become subject to overnight closures every Saturday between 08:00 and 20:00 GMT from February 28th until March 7th.

The M1 southbound carriageway between junctions 40 and 39, as well as the M1 junction 40 southbound entry slip road will be affected.

Work will then begin on the M1 junctions 40 to 41, as well as the M1 junction 40 northbound entry slip road and the M1 junction 41 southbound entry slip road from March 21st to March 28th.

Travellers concerned about their journeys need not worry as diversions will be clearly signposted.

David Pilsworth, Highways Agency project manager, added: "This work will be undertaken overnight, so that we minimise disruption to the road user. We would like to remind drivers to allow extra time for their journeys and follow the signed diversion routes."

The final part of the scheme will take place in April.