MOTORISTS are likely to experience delays as work on the A1 southbound at Tuxford moves onto its second stage.
The first step of the three million pound scheme between Tuxford and Markham Moor began in November with the installation of crossover points in the central reservation.
All roadworks at this site have now been lifted for the Christmas break but
from 8pm on Monday 5th January the second stage of work will begin.
A contraflow system will be installed with single lane traffic in each direction running on the northbound carriageway.
A 50 mph speed limit will apply and motorists will not be able to use the A1 southbound carriageway from the A1 Tuxford entry slip road to allow reconstruction and resurfacing work on the southbound carriageway.
The contraflow system will be installed from south of the Tuxford junction to Sutton-on-Trent, a distance of 3.5 miles.
This will be in place 24 hours a day and traffic will be able to enter and exit the A1 at Tuxford. Wide loads travelling south will be diverted at Apleyhead, along the A614, A616 and A46 to Newark with reverse arrangements for those travelling north.
The final stage of the work will involve a contraflow between Markham Moor and the A1 Tuxford junction.
This will begin on Monday 30th January and is scheduled to finish on Friday 13th March. Traffic will not be able to enter or exit the A1 at Tuxford and will be diverted along the A57 and A6075 to Markham Moor.
Some queuing traffic is expected as a result of the contraflow system, especially on Friday afternoons.
Highways Agency project manager Kam Khokhar said: "We have lifted this scheme for the Christmas break but we want to remind motorists that work will start again on the evening of Monday 5th January."
"We are investing in replacing the worn out carriageway on the A1 southbound to provide a quieter and smoother drive for motorists, to extend the life of the road and enable people to make their journeys safely and reliably."
"We ask motorists to be patient and to plan their journeys while the work is taking place as there will be some delay at peak times."
More information about the scheme with regular updates can be found at http://www.highways.gov.uk/a1tuxford Members of the public can email any questions about the scheme to: a1tuxford@highways.gsi.gov.uk
