M1 junction in need of upgrade due to overwhelming popularity

New analysis by Midlands Connect reveals that Junction 28 of the M1 operates at up to 107% capacity during the morning rush hour.

The study indicates that three junctions are over 100% capacity, two are nearly full and only one slip road operates below 50% capacity, which shows the need for an upgrade of the Pinxton interchange.

Traffic flows on the eastbound A38 towards Alfreton off Junction 28 reach 107%, equating to 2,302 vehicles per hour.

Average traffic on the northbound M1 slip road is 1,104 vehicles per hour, reaching 104% capacity.

Capacity on the Mansfield Road slip road is at 102%, while the southbound M1 slip road operates at 82%. Only 9% of space is left on the A38 towards Sutton-in-Ashfield during the morning rush hour, with 1,126 vehicles using the route.

The only road with significant capacity remaining is the A38 left filter lane towards the M1, utilising 38% of its space during rush hour.

Integrated transport programme lead, Swati Mittal said: “Junction 28 has struggled for many years with gridlock, and we are keen to get solutions moving to fix this. Drivers have been snarled up in traffic which impacts residents and businesses in and around Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and beyond.

“An intervention in this area is necessary to facilitate growth, and jobs and allow us to deliver the growth aspirations of South Normanton, Pinxton and the wider region.”