Drivers on the M1 northbound are experiencing significant delays today following a crash in Leicestershire that led to the closure of the carriageway. The incident occurred between Junction 20 and Junction 21, as reported by National Highways. Described as a serious collision, it has had a major impact on traffic in the Lutterworth to Leicester area.
Emergency services are currently on-site, with both lanes northbound closed. An air ambulance has been dispatched to the scene. 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 guides drivers off the M1 northbound at Junction 20 onto the A4303 westbound, passing through several roundabouts before reaching the A5/A4303 Cross in Hand roundabout. From there, drivers will proceed north along the A5 Watling Street for approximately 6.4 miles, then join the M69 northbound for around 9 miles before rejoining the M1 northbound at Junction 21.
National Highways cautioned that the diversion route will add considerable extra time to journeys and recommended considering alternative 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, present at the scene.
All traffic within the closure has now been released. The closure between Junction 20 (Lutterworth) and Junction 21 (Leicester) remains in effect while emergency services work at the scene. National Highways urged drivers to plan ahead and allocate extra time for their journeys.
Reports indicated queueing traffic in the area with delays of around 20 minutes and advised motorists to anticipate the road clearing between 12.30 pm and 12.45 pm. Traffic was briefly held before 9.30 am to implement the closure, and emergency services continue to manage the situation.
Further details about the crash, the number of vehicles involved, or any injuries sustained have not been disclosed yet.