As of April 2026, the A1 remains the longest numbered road in the United Kingdom, stretching 410 miles from the City of London to the center of Edinburgh. Known historically as the Great North Road, it serves as a critical artery for North-South travel, connecting major hubs including Peterborough, Doncaster, and Newcastle. Current 2026 travel alerts include a long-term bypass construction at the Black Cat roundabout (ongoing through 2027), HGVs restrictions at the Haggerston Layby (until mid-April 2026), and utility works on Holloway Road in London causing localized delays. While large sections have been upgraded to motorway status as the A1(M), other parts remain dual or even single carriageway, requiring drivers to stay alert to changing speed limits and merging traffic.
2026 Status: Major Roadworks and Closures
Navigating the A1 in April 2026 requires careful planning due to several large-scale infrastructure projects designed to improve long-term flow.
Black Cat Roundabout (Bedfordshire): A major bypass construction is in full swing, with North quadrant closures and speed restrictions expected to remain in place until late 2027.
Haggerston Layby (Northumberland): The southbound layby is currently closed to HGVs until April 17, 2026, for essential upgrade works.
London (Holloway Road): Temporary signals and emergency gas works are causing moderate delays between Palmer Place and Drayton Park through mid-April.
Drivers should utilize the National Highways real-time portal or the Government Fuel Finder (launched February 2026) to manage costs and timing. The 2026 expansion of roadside technology means more “Variable Speed Limit” zones are active, particularly between the M25 and Peterborough, where cameras are strictly enforced to manage peak-time congestion.
Historical Origins: The Great North Road
The A1 is more than a road; it is a historical corridor that largely follows the path of the Roman Ermine Street. Designated as the “A1” in 1921, it was the first road in the Ministry of Transport’s numbering system, radiating from London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral.
For centuries, it was the primary route for mail coaches traveling between the English and Scottish capitals. By 2026, many of the historic coaching inns, such as the Angel Inn at Wetherby, have been bypassed by modern dual carriageways, but they remain accessible for those wishing to explore the “Old North Road” heritage.
The A1(M): Motorway Upgrades
Large sections of the A1 have been upgraded to motorway standard, designated as the A1(M). These sections offer three or four lanes and higher safety standards compared to the standard A road.
Junctions 1-6 (Hertfordshire): Connecting the M25 to Stevenage.
Junctions 13-17 (Cambridgeshire): Serving the Alconbury and Peterborough corridors.
Junctions 34-65 (Yorkshire to Durham): The longest continuous stretch of A1(M), providing a high-speed link past Doncaster, Leeds, and Darlington.
In 2026, the transition between “A1” and “A1(M)” is clearly marked, but drivers must be cautious as speed limits often drop from 70mph to 50 or 60mph on the non-motorway sections, especially through residential pinch points in Northumberland.
Major Landmarks and Landmarks
Traveling the A1 offers a unique cross-section of British heritage. From the skyscrapers of London to the rugged coastline of Berwick-upon-Tweed, the road passes some of the UK’s most iconic sites.
The Angel of the North
Located near Gateshead, this 20-meter tall sculpture by Antony Gormley is perhaps the most famous landmark on the route. In 2026, it remains a popular stopping point for photos, accessible via the A167 exit.
Stamford and Burghley House
Often cited as one of the most beautiful towns in England, Stamford was the first town in the UK to be designated a conservation area. The A1 passes directly by the grounds of Burghley House, one of the grandest Elizabethan “prodigy houses.”
Scotch Corner
Historically known as the “Gateway to the North,” Scotch Corner is the famous junction where traffic for Glasgow (via the A66) diverges from traffic for Edinburgh (A1). It remains one of the busiest service areas on the network in 2026.
2026 Service Stations: Best Pit Stops
A long journey on the A1 requires reliable service areas. In 2026, the network has significantly expanded its EV charging infrastructure to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles.
| Service Area | Location | Key Features (2026) |
| South Mimms | Junction 23 (M25) | Large EV charging hub, 24-hour food, hotel. |
| Peterborough | Junction 17 | Known for wide food variety and spacious parking. |
| Blyth | Junction 34 | Excellent accessibility for HGVs and 2026 Fuel Finder terminals. |
| Wetherby | Junction 46 | Eco-friendly design, large play areas, and premium coffee shops. |
Practical Information and Planning
For those planning an A1 journey in 2026, here is the essential factual data for your trip.
Driving Tips for 2026
Fuel Finder: Use the live government database to check petrol and diesel prices at stations like Shell at Scotch Corner before you pull in.
Rest Periods: RoSPA recommends a 15-minute break every two hours. Use the 2026 upgraded “Rest Areas” in Northumberland for shorter stops.
Self-Driving Trials: Be aware that 2026 marks the pilot year for self-driving taxis and buses on certain UK routes; stay alert for “Autonomous Test Vehicle” markings.
Costs and Regulations
Fuel Duty: Note that the fuel duty freeze is scheduled to end in September 2026.
Speed Cameras: The A1 uses a high density of average speed cameras, particularly in roadwork zones like Black Cat and the Darlington bypass.
FAQs
How long is the A1 road?
The A1 is 410 miles (660 km) long, making it the longest road in the UK.
Is the A1 a motorway?
Only parts of it are. Sections upgraded to motorway standards are called the A1(M), while other sections remain a standard A-road.
Where does the A1 start and end?
It starts at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and ends at Waverley Station in Edinburgh.
What are the major roadworks on the A1 in April 2026?
The biggest project is the Black Cat roundabout bypass in Bedfordshire, with various lane closures and speed restrictions.
Does the A1 have tolls?
No, the A1 is a non-tolled road, though it connects to other routes that may have charges.
Are there EV chargers on the A1?
Yes, as of 2026, all major service stations (like South Mimms and Wetherby) have high-speed EV charging hubs.
Who is the “Angel of the North” visible from?
It is visible from the A1 at Gateshead (near the A167 junction).
Is the A1 dual carriageway all the way?
No. While it is dual carriageway or motorway for most of its length, there are still single-carriageway sections in North Northumberland and Scotland.
What is the “Black Cat” roundabout?
It is a major junction in Bedfordshire where the A1 meets the A421 and A9. It is currently undergoing a massive multi-year upgrade.
How long does it take to drive the full A1?
Without stops and in good traffic, the drive takes approximately 8 to 9 hours, but roadworks in 2026 usually extend this to 10+ hours.
Is there a speed limit change in 2026?
The national speed limit remains 70mph for cars, but many “Smart” sections of the A1(M) use variable speed limits that can drop to 40 or 50mph.
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