Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress has been made on plans in the Road Investment Strategy for a new smart motorway between junctions 23 and 25 of the M1.

Highways England is aiming to commence construction of the M1 J24 to J25 smart motorway scheme in 2016/17 with completion in 2017/18. M1 J23a to J24 is being developed and Highways England is currently committed to commencing construction on this section in 2019/20. Highways England is currently considering combining these works to ensure the most efficient and effective delivery and minimise disruption to the travelling public. Work continues on developing these proposals and in due course Highways England will be able to confirm the final programme for delivery of M1 J23a to J25.