Work continues on M1 to fix drainage problem

14 February 2026

Tony Fisherin Bedfordshire

News image — The outside lane of the M1 is closed southbound near junction 13 for Brogborough

Tony Fisher/BBC A view of the M1 looking northbound near junction 13 for Brogborough in Bedfordshire. All lanes are open northbound but the outside lane of the southbound stretch is closed by a series of cones and signage. It is a cloudy, wet day. — The outside lane of the M1 is closed southbound near junction 13 for Brogborough

Work is continuing on a stretch of the M1 in Bedfordshire as engineers investigate a "drainage defect" in the central reservation, according to National Highways.

Lane closures between junction 12 at Toddington and junction 13 for Brogborough were first put in place on 27 January.

On Wednesday, all lanes on the the northbound carriageway were reopened but the outside lane southbound is still closed with a 50mph speed limit in place.

A spokesperson said they were "continuing to pump water from the central reservation to keep as many lanes open as possible while we plan the repairs needed to the drainage".

Tony Fisher/BBC A view of the M1 in Bedfordshire facing south. The outside lane of the southbound stretch is closed by a series of cones and there is a sign which reads "works access". It is a cloudy, wet day. — National Highways said the barrier supports had been weakened by the drainage defect

The spokesperson added that a speed limit remained in place for safety reasons as the barrier supports had been weakened by the drainage defect.

The hard shoulder remained open as a live lane to maintain three lanes open in both directions.

Despite several inquiries by the BBC, National Highways has been unable to clarify the exact nature of what they describe as a "drainage defect" or what caused it.

"We would like to thank drivers for their continued patience," said a spokesperson.

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