Brighton to Sunderland - M1?

[Blue Oval84]

Going to be heading north on Thursday afternoon and planning which of my usual routes to take...

I've been avoiding the M1 recently because of the interminable average speed zones, instead heading clockwise round the M25, up the M1 to Junction 13, cutting over the A421 and heading up the A1 from there.

However, Google maps seems to suggest there are currently no northbound roadworks anymore? Haven't done the trip since xmas so thought I would ask the PH collective to confirm! Even if there aren't, I'm still thinking it may be easiest to stick to my recent A1 route.

Also, when I set the departure time to 3pm on Thursday, google keeps suggesting that the best route is actually clockwise M25, across the Dartford crossing and then up the A1. Is that really the best way to go or is it lying to me?

It strikes me that with a 3-4pm departure time I'm going to get shafted by the Dartford Crossing or the section near Heathrow whichever way I go...

[Conscript]

Blue Oval84 said:

Also, when I set the departure time to 3pm on Thursday, google keeps suggesting that the best route is actually clockwise M25, across the Dartford crossing and then up the A1. Is that really the best way to go or is it lying to me?

It strikes me that with a 3-4pm departure time I'm going to get shafted by the Dartford Crossing or the section near Heathrow whichever way I go...

I assume you meant to put anti clockwise here?

Anyway, I can't speak for the rest of your journey, but since free flow tolling was introduced, the traffic at the Dartford Crossing has drastically improved. If there's an accident or breakdown, then northbound can still be a pain, but in general delays are now the exception rather than the norm, even at rush hour. Not sure how Heathrow would compare, but it always seems busy there at rush hour whenever I check Google maps.

[mgtony]

Still roadworks and 50mph northbound on the M1 from around Northampton all the way up past the M6 turn-off. Not sure how much further they go on for as I've come off at the M6 and not carried on up the M1 for a while.
Besides the works and slight delays at the Black Cat roundabout on the A1, it's a fairly good drive up.

[toon10]

Not used the M1 for a few months but I drove from Newcastle to Hemel and it was horrendous. I cut across to see family in Milton Keynes and used the A1 coming home. Only dual carriageway for long stretches but it was nice just to be moving.

[Acquah]

mgtony said:

Still roadworks and 50mph northbound on the M1 from around Northampton all the way up past the M6 turn-off. Not sure how much further they go on for as I've come off at the M6 and not carried on up the M1 for a while.
Besides the works and slight delays at the Black Cat roundabout on the A1, it's a fairly good drive up.

Stops just after the M6 turn-off.

[Blue Oval84]

Conscript said:

I assume you meant to put anti clockwise here?

Anyway, I can't speak for the rest of your journey, but since free flow tolling was introduced, the traffic at the Dartford Crossing has drastically improved. If there's an accident or breakdown, then northbound can still be a pain, but in general delays are now the exception rather than the norm, even at rush hour. Not sure how Heathrow would compare, but it always seems busy there at rush hour whenever I check Google maps.

I did! Ooops.

Well I may give the Dartford route a bash then, Google is normally right about these things, will check on the day just before departure though. At least it will make a change from sitting watching planes at Heathrow...

[Conscript]

If you do, remember the toll is collected by ANPR now like the London Congestion Charge, so make sure you either pay in advance, or within 1 day after your crossing, or whatever it is. Also, I bear no responsibility if you get stuck in traffic

[Swanny87]

M25 clockwise to j23 -> a1 -> a19 job jobbed.

There are still rworks on the M1 and the A1 is generally faster anyway regardless of roadworks.

Come off the a1 at the junction for a168 (Thirsk) which links onto the a19. Using the a19 avoids st roadworks round chester le street.

Once on the a19 keep a look out for signs for the A690 (Northbound)

Edited by Swanny87 on Tuesday 24th March 12:39

Edited by Swanny87 on Tuesday 24th March 12:41

[Blue Oval84]

Lol - I won't forget to pay the toll don't worry.

Swanny - That's similar to the usual route I take (albeit I do a little bit on the M1 before cutting over to the A1).

I'm going to judge on the day and will do either your route (just for a change) or the Dartford one I think.

I've done the journey quite a few times but am now trying to be a bit more scientific about how I plan it, I want to see if I can beat my all time record! (which was an average speed of 69mph)

[Swanny87]

Blue Oval84 said:

Lol - I won't forget to pay the toll don't worry.

Swanny - That's similar to the usual route I take (albeit I do a little bit on the M1 before cutting over to the A1).

I'm going to judge on the day and will do either your route (just for a change) or the Dartford one I think.

I've done the journey quite a few times but am now trying to be a bit more scientific about how I plan it, I want to see if I can beat my all time record! (which was an average speed of 69mph)

Ah sorry I didn't see that you had done this before, I guess you know about the A690 then haha. Should read through posts carefully

[Riley Blue]

Dartford Crossing much less of a problem now that you don't have to stop to pay; that would be the way I'd go, then A1.

[Blue Oval84]

Swanny87 said:

Ah sorry I didn't see that you had done this before, I guess you know about the A690 then haha. Should read through posts carefully

Yep, if I'm going to my old house then it's the A1018, if my parents then the A690

I have to say that returning home is always refreshing, the roads are just so much clearer, better surfaced, and less congested than down here!