Construction work started in June 2006 so we are well into the third year of construction. Signage used to say that the work would take 18 months meaning that it would finish around December 2007. The latest opening date is December 2008 but I suspect it will be late January or even February before it fully opens. There are still 2 large sections where work has yet to begin on laying tarmac as the ground is still only partially graded.
The reason for the extra man power is that yet another date has been missed. The Gypsy Lane turn off for the retail park and airport station was meant to be closed for between 6 and 8 weeks. Tomorrow marks week 9 when the traffic will switch carriageways for a short section by Gypsy Lane.
ELC website now says the A505 upgrade will be finished and open in 2009.
Quite amazing that 20 miles of new carriageway (10 miles in each direction)on the M1 will be finished quicker than this 1 mile council project.