The final phase of a £205m upgrade of the M1 smart motorways project has been completed.

The modernisation of the 20 mile road section, which stretches from the East Midlands to South Yorkshire in England, aims to reduce journey times and improve traffic flow.

The Highways England project runs between junction 28 in Mansfield and junction 31in Worksop.

"This is all part of our plans to build a road network that is fit for the future, with a record £15bn going into improving our roads, reducing congestion and keeping Britain moving."

It is the first smart motorway in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire where the hard shoulder has been permanently changed into an additional lane to increase its capacity.

The upgrade is part of a £15bn investment programme by the UK government in motorways and major A roads by 2021.

Roads Minister Andrew Jones said: "The completion of the smart motorway on this section of the M1 will make a real difference to people travelling between Mansfield, Chesterfield and Worksop, delivering better and smoother journeys, helping businesses and boosting the local economy.

"This is all part of our plans to build a road network that is fit for the future, with a record £15bn going into improving our roads, reducing congestion and keeping Britain moving."

The completion of the project required 1.75 million combined hours of work and is aimed at improving road journeys for over 95,000 motorists every day.

Variable speed limits will be used across the 20-mile stretch to allow vehicles to move without any congestion or hindrance.

Highways England senior programme manager Andy Kirk said: "The new smart motorway will tackle congestion and improve journey times for the thousands of drivers who use it every day."

Staff at Highways England’s regional control centres will be able to monitor the upgraded road section, 24 hours a day, through CCTV cameras, and thereby respond instantly to any road incident.

Motorists driving through this upgraded stretch will also be able to use emergency refuge areas if they face a vehicle break down.