M1 improvements mark milestone in airport transformation

£30m improvement works completed on Junction 10a of the M1 set to significantly improve access to London Luton Airport

Seamless link with the M1 puts London Luton Airport in easy reach for 23 million people living in the region

Work has been completed on major improvements for Luton Borough Council to Junction 10a of the M1. The upgrade saw the removal of the existing J10a roundabout, construction of a large underpass and two new roundabouts, separating local traffic and Airport traffic. The works have provided seamless dual carriageway access from the M1 to the Airport approach road, which will in turn be upgraded to dual carriageway as part of the Airport’s £100m redevelopment.

Throughout the course of the works, 500,000 man hours saw the excavation of 225,000 cubic meters of earth, enough to fill 90 Olympic sized swimming pools, and the laying of 40,000 square metres of new asphalt.

The completion of the works, supported by funding from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, marks a major milestone in the redevelopment of LLA and complements a major upgrade to transport links at the Airport which will also include new car parking facilities, a remodelled bus and coach interchange and improved rail links.

LLA is responding to strong demand from passengers with a £100 million redevelopment and investment programme that will transform the Airport. The project will increase annual capacity from 12 million to 18 million passengers by 2026, as well as bringing about other major improvements including a complete redesign of the terminal to create a quick, efficient, friendly and convenient passenger experience, exciting new shopping and eating options and the development of a new world-class executive lounge.

Neil Thompson, Operations Director of LLA, said: “The completion of the M1 works is a big milestone in our transformation and will significantly improve access to London Luton, cementing our position as one of the leading airports serving passengers in London and the surrounding regions. We also continue to work hard with the rail operators to improve Airport rail links to ensure passengers have seamless connectivity to the Airport however they choose to arrive.”

Cllr Sian Timoney, Portfolio Holder for regeneration at Luton Borough Council, said: “This improvement scheme is a part of our commitment to improve transport infrastructure in key corridors, and in addition to supporting growth of the Airport and the sub regional economy also enables development of housing, commercial and employment sites in the south and east of Luton. With more than 900 new jobs anticipated in the area by 2018, it’s yet another sign that Luton is really open for business.”

The works were carried out by Volker Fitzpatrick, one the UK’s leading engineering and construction companies.

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For more information please contact: London Luton Airport Press Office pressoffice@ltn.aero

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