The UK Highways Agency will today begin a £4.3m pinch point improvement project of the M1 junction 41, in order to lower congestion and improve access to Leeds and Wakefield, in West Yorkshire.

As part of the project, all of the approaches to the M1 junction 41 roundabout will be widened from two to three lanes.

The project will also involve the widening of the roundabout to accommodate three lanes, improving lining and signing, refurbishing the traffic signals, improving lighting and providing improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

"The A650 is also a very busy link in to Wakefield and Leeds, and the pinch point improvement will make journey times more reliable." 

The pinch point project seeks to lower congestion, make journey times more reliable, reduce the impact of future planned development, enhance access to surrounding areas, and benefit the economy.

Highways Agency Service Delivery team leader Roger Wantling said that the M1 junction 41 roundabout is heavily congested, causing severe delays for drivers.

"The A650 is also a very busy link in to Wakefield and Leeds, and the pinch point improvement will make journey times more reliable. The scheme will also reduce the impact of traffic from planned future developments in the area," Wantling said.

The road works are scheduled to last until January 2015 and will be carried out during off-peak hours, at weekends and in phases, to minimise any disruption.

The project is one of 15 Highways Agency pinch point schemes taking place in Yorkshire and Humber. It is also part of a £317m pinch point programme designed to boost local economies, reduce congestion and improve safety on the strategic road network in England.

Meanwhile, the agency has noted that the pinch point work at junction 40 is nearing completion, which will benefit drivers in Wakefield.

While the junction is fully open and all traffic restrictions have been lifted, the final work to complete lighting work and clear the site is on-going.