Crucial motorway CLOSED due to huge blaze sparking rush-hour chaos for thousands of Brits – check full diversion route
A MAJOR motorway has been closed after a collision resulting in a car catching fire has sparked rush-hour chaos for thousands.
THE M1 southbound was closed between J12 (Toddington) and J11A (Chalton) with three of four lanes having now reopened.
National Highways: East division confirmed the M1 southbound between J11A and J11 Dunstable had reopened around an hour and a half after the incident was first announced.
Traffic has also been released on all lanes on the northbound carriageway but delays are expected to be in “excess of one hour.”
One of four lanes remain closed on the M1 southbound between J11A Chalton and J11 Dunstable with a pavement inspector en route.
There are delayed in excess of 30 minutes on approach to the lane closure.
National Highways have stated that traffic was being held northbound for Air Ambulance with their Traffic Officers also on the scene to assist with traffic management.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue were also in attendance with diversion routes in operation.
Road users have been advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol on road signs, exiting the M1 at Junction 12 onto the A5120.
National Highways will post further information and updates on their website, travel apps and regional X feed.
They have suggested drivers leave plenty of time before setting off for their journey or consider delaying until the traffic has eased.
Diversion Routes
Road users are advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol on road signs.