System and technology tests were completed just before Christmas and the road is now fully operational.
“This is a fantastic achievement for everyone working on the project,” said project director Bruce Richards.
Some further night working is still required, however, until spring 2013.
The first section of the scheme, which aims to relieve congestion by using technology to vary the speed limit, went live between Junctions 10 and 11 in July 2012. From its east regional control centre at South Mimms, Highways Agency staff can display overhead electronic signals to show variable mandatory speed limits and overhead message signs to indicate when drivers can use the hard shoulder as an extra lane. By using the hard shoulder as an additional lane at busy times the scheme is able to increase road capacity without the need to acquire additional land.
The contract was awarded to Costain-Carillion JV in September 2005 on an early contractor involvement (ECI) basis and work started in December 2009.
Highways Agency regional operations manager Paul McWilliam said: “Our regional control centre had been using the system on the southern section between Junction 10-11 since July last year but now our control centre staff and the agency’s on-road traffic officers based at Toddington will be able to manage the full length of the scheme.”
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