Busy commuter UK motorway shut due to ‘major spill’ | UK | News

A major motorway was closed overnight due to urgent emergency works that needed to be carried out on the main motorway. The M1 was closed to northbound traffic from Junction 14 to Junction 15 in Milton Keynes following a major crash involving three vehicles in the early hours of Tuesday, February 24.

National Highways confirmed its rescue team cleared all hazards, debris and vehicle parts following the crash, apart from a “large leak of diesel” across three lanes of the carriageway. The spill caused major damage to the asphalt; contractors are now working through the night to ensure repairs are done, hopefully by the morning rush hour.

Emergency resurfacing work is currently underway and all traffic has been directed to the closure area via a diversion, National Highways said, adding delays remain low. An estimated reopening time was not specified.

A National Highways spokesman said: “The duration of repairs and surface curing cannot yet be confirmed but the road is expected to remain closed overnight.” he said.

National Highways has advised road users to follow signs indicating the diversion route and allow extra time for their journey.

Road users are advised to follow the hollow diamond guidance symbol on road signs:

• Exit J14 and turn left onto the A509 to Northfield Road Roundabout.
• Take the third exit west onto the A509 Portway.
• Continue via Port A509 passing via Pineham, Pagoda, North Overgate, North Skeldon, Belvedere, North
• From Secklow, North Saxon, North Witan and North Grafton junctions (9 in total) to A5/A509 Harbor Roundabout.
• At the A5/A509 take the third exit north-west of the A5.
• Continue on the A5 towards the A5/A508/A422 Old Stratford Roundabout.
• At Old Stratford Roundabout take the fourth exit north-east of the A508.
• Continue via A508 via Grafton Regis and Roade to rejoin the M1 at J15

National Highways has said delays are likely as closures and diversions approach routes.

National Highways said: “If this closure affects your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.” he said.

The M25 is also closed in both directions between Junction 27 for the M11 and Junction 28 near Brentwood to allow emergency works following a serious collision involving a lorry.

National Highways said: “The lorry left the carriageway and struck overhead power cables, causing significant infrastructure damage and a local power outage. Specialist engineers require a full closure to safely re-hang the cables across the highway.” he said.