A £2.4m Highways Agency project to install a concrete safety barrier along the M1 near Rotherham will get underway next month.Work to replace the existing steel safety barrier in the central reservation of the motorway west of Thurcroft near Rotherham will get underway on Tuesday 3 January and should be completed by Sunday 1 April.The agency said concrete barriers are stronger and more robust - reducing the risk of vehicles involved in accidents crossing from one side of the motorway to the other and improving the safety of road users and road workers. The barriers are also unlikely to require repairs after vehicle impact.As well as the barrier works some resurfacing will also be taking place during the project that will affect a 1.5 mile stretch of the motorway around Junction 32 and encompassing the section where motorway and the M18 are linked.Work will be taking place around the clock with the permanent closure of lane 3 in both directions to allow safe working in the central reservation.The hard shoulder will be used as a running lane to maintain three lane running in both directions although a 50mph speed limit will be in place past the roadworks for the safety of drivers as well as roadworkers.Highways Agency project sponsor Tim Calvert said, "The existing steel barrier has reached the end of its serviceable life and its replacement with a concrete barrier will improve safety for road users."It will also improve the safety of our roadworkers as the new barrier will require less maintenance as it is less likely to be damaged in barrier strikes and require subsequent repairs. This will also reduce inconvenience to motorway users."During lane and the occasional overnight carriageway closures we will also be taking the opportunity to carry out some general repairs and maintenance including some resurfacing."