Drivers are experiencing significant delays on the M1 northbound this morning due to a collision in Leicestershire that resulted in the closure of the carriageway between Junction 20 and Junction 21, as reported by National Highways.
The crash, classified as serious, has disrupted traffic in the Lutterworth to Leicester area of the motorway. Emergency services are on-site, with both lanes northbound closed and an air ambulance summoned.
National Highways has provided a diversion route for affected motorists, advising them to follow the Hollow Square diversion symbol between Junction 20 and Junction 21. The diversion route directs traffic off the M1 at Junction 20 onto the A4303 westbound, passing through roundabouts to reach the A5/A4303 Cross in Hand roundabout.
Motorists are then guided north on the A5 Watling Street for approximately 6.4 miles to the A5/M69 Junction 1 interchange, before joining the M69 northbound for about 9 miles and re-entering the M1 northbound at Junction 21.
The diversion route significantly increases travel time, and National Highways recommends considering alternate routes or delaying travel if possible. The crash occurred shortly after 8 am, with all emergency services, including the Air Ambulance and National Highways Traffic Officers, responding to the scene, according to local reports.
National Highways has confirmed the release of all trapped traffic within the closure area. The closure between Junction 20 and Junction 21 remains in effect as emergency services manage the situation, urging drivers to plan ahead and allocate extra time for their journeys.
There are reports of queuing traffic in the vicinity with delays currently accumulating to around 20 minutes. Drivers are advised to prepare for extended travel times, as the road is not anticipated to fully reopen until between 12:30 pm and 12:45 pm.
Traffic was halted shortly before 9:30 am to implement the closure, with emergency services continuing to operate at the scene. Further details about the crash, including the number of vehicles involved and potential injuries, have not been disclosed yet.