M1 disruption will last until December ‘15

But they told Chad that the roadworks will make for easier journeys once completed, with fewer delays, better safety measures and more ‘intelligent’ road management.

They also added that the works, which are due to be completed next December, will be good for business - improving road links around Mansfield and Ashfield.

Senior project manager Andy Kirk said: “People are getting a lot of pain at the moment from these roadworks, but once they are completed there should not be any need for and major interventions on the stretch for a good five years.”

He added that better roads should also make the area more appealing for businesses looking for good transport links, as well as make the stretch of motorway around 15 per cent safer than it is at present.

Ongoing work should also reduce noise from the motorway for nearby housing, he told Chad.

Work has almost completed erecting the concrete barrier between Junction 28 (Mansfield) and Junction 31 (Worksop), and work will now continue widening the section and putting in other improvements.

Work on a separate stretch, between junctions 31 and 35, is set to conclude next December, the Highways Agency said.