The M1 in Leicestershire is closed in both directions after a car crashed off a bridge and landed on the carriageway before colliding with a van, National Highways has confirmed
Drivers are facing major disruption with the M1 closed in both directions following a vehicle plummeting from a bridge before striking a van. National Highways confirmed the car came down onto the southbound carriageway, resulting in fuel spillages and prompting a “protracted closure”.
Both carriageways of the motorway between Leicester and Loughborough were sealed off to traffic at 1.35pm and remain shut, creating extensive queues in the vicinity.
National Highways confirmed an accident investigation must be completed before the route can reopen. An update from National Highways says that the motorway remains closed due to a “police led incident”.
They said: “A two-vehicle RTC has occurred between a car and van. The car has left the Church Lane over bridge and entered the southbound carriageway colliding with a van.
“The M1 was closed in both directions at 1.35pm to provide a safe and sterile working environment for Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, East Midlands Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance Service at the scene.
“There is confirmed oil and fuel spillages on scene. Accident investigation is enroute, and it is expected that this will be a protracted closure.”
Motorists have been told that delays are expected up until 7pm on the M1 between J20 and J21.
People have told of being stuck in stationary traffic for three hours with the motorway closed. One person wrote on social media: “We’ve been stuck for three hours now,” while another comment read: “Backing up on A46 from this too hope all involved are ok.”
A further similarly said: “Currently stuck in this, hope those affected are OK.”
People going northbound on the M1 have been given this diversion route where they need to follow a hollow square:
- Exit the M1 northbound at Junction 20 and take the first exist (west) onto the A4303.
- Continue along the A4303 to the A4303/A426 Lutterworth Road/Rugby Road Roundabout and then take the second exit from the roundabout.
- Continue westbound along the A4303 passing through a further two roundabout at Coventry Road and Magna Park to A5/A4303 Cross in Hand Roundabout.
- Then take the fourth exit from the Roundabout and proceed north along the A5.
- Continue northbound along the A5 Watling Street for approximately 10.3kms to the A5/M69 Junction 1 Interchange.
- At the Interchange take the fifth exit onto the M69 northbound.
- Continue along the M69 northbound for approximately 14.5kms to M69 Junction 2/M1 Junction 20 and rejoin the M1 Northbound
Motorists heading soutbound have been given the following diversion route to take where they follow a hollow square symbol.
- Exit the M1 southbound at Junction 21 and take the third exit (south/west) onto the M69.
- Continue south/westbound on the M69 for approximately 14.5kms to M69 Junction1/A5 Interchange.
- At M69 Junction 1 exit the motorway and take the first exit (left) onto the A5 southbound.
- Continue along the A5 southbound for approximately 10.3kms to the A5/A4303 Cross in Hand Roundabout.
- At the roundabout take the first exit (left) onto the A4303 eastbound.
- Continue eastbound along the A4303 passing through the roundabouts at Magna Park and Coventry Road to the A5/A426Lutterworth Road/Rugby Road Roundabout.
- At the roundabout take the second exit (straight ahead) and continue eastbound along the A4303 to M1 Junction 20. Then rejoin the M1 southbound.
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our crews are attending a road traffic collision on the M1 southbound, between Junctions 20 and 21.
“This is an ongoing incident – motorists should avoid the area and expect delays.”
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