Drivers in West Yorkshire are being advised to prepare for significant overnight disruption on the M621 throughout 2026, as National Highways rolls out a major programme of maintenance and improvement works.

In a notice issued under Section 14(1)(a) and 14(7) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, National Highways confirmed it has made an order to introduce temporary traffic restrictions on the motorway between Gildersome and Stourton Interchange.

The works are scheduled to run from 2 January 2026 until 23 December 2026 and will take place overnight from 8pm to 7am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 8pm to 6am from Sunday to Thursday.

Extent of the Closures

The works are expected to take place overnight between 8pm and 7am Friday and Saturday nights

placeholder image — The works are expected to take place overnight between 8pm and 7am Friday and Saturday nights

The order will apply to:

Both directions of the M621 between Gildersome and Stourton Interchange

All slip roads and link roads connecting to this section

All refuge areas along the affected length

National Highways says the closures are required to ensure the safety of workers as essential maintenance and improvement works are carried out.

Diversions in Place

When closures are active, drivers will be diverted using alternative junctions of the M62, M621, and the M1, as well as local roads. All diversion routes will be fully signposted.

The agency notes that the duration and specific location of each closure will vary, depending on the nature of the work undertaken on each occasion.

Emergency services, works vehicles, winter maintenance fleets and National Highways traffic officers will be exempt from the restrictions.

Order Duration

The temporary traffic order comes into effect on 1 January 2026 and remains valid until 23 December 2026, though restrictions will only be enforced during times indicated by on-road signage.

Further Information

For a full copy of the order on the Public Planning Notice Portal, click here.

Motorists seeking more details can contact the National Highways Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 or email [email protected].

The works form part of ongoing efforts to maintain and improve key motorway routes across West Yorkshire.