M1 closure LIVE: Motorway closed in both directions after ‘multi vehicle’ crash

Motorway reopens southbound

We’ve had confirmation in the last few minutes that the M1 southbound has reopened to traffic, though delays of up to 45 minutes remain.

An update from National Highways read: “The M1 is now OPEN southbound in Bedfordshire between J13 Brogborough and J12 Toddington following a serious collision.

“Please allow extra time if travelling in the area as delays of 45 mins remain.”

“Thanks for your patience.”

M1 remains closed as delays reach 90 minutes

National Highways has said delays southbound on the M1 between J13 at Brogborough and J12 at Toddington are now reaching up to 90 minutes, as the motorway remains closed.

Police have launched an investigation following a “serious collision”.

Police issue statement following horror collision

A Bedfordshire Police spokesperson said: “We are currently at the scene of a serious collision on the M1. Emergency services were called shortly after 1.30pm today (Sunday) following reports of a collision between junctions 13 and 14 on the southbound carriageway.

“A full closure of the southbound carriageway is currently in place. The northbound carriageway is temporarily closed to allow the air ambulance to attend the scene.

“We would like to thank everyone affected by the closures for their patience, and we ask anyone planning to use the M1 to seek alternative routes at this time.”

60 minute delays following the collision

Drivers can expect to face 60 minute delays at the moment southbound between J14 and J13.

National Highways said the M1 southbound remains closed between J13 and J12 “for a collision investigation following a serious collision”.

Pictured: Delays on the M1

Long lines of vehicles waiting to pass along the M1 southbound have been spotted.

Drivers warned to ‘allow extra journey time’

National Highways has told drivers to take these delays into consideration while travelling in the area today.

The agency said: If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”

They added that National Highways Traffic Officers would be at the scene to help with traffic management.

Diversion route for drivers

Motorists have been advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbols on road signs.

Here is the route they should follow:

• From the M1, J13 southbound exit slip road,go onto the A421 Bedford Road.
• Continue on the A421 Bedford Road to the crossroads of Bedford Road/Station Road.
• At the crossroads take a right turn onto the A507 Ridgemont b y-pass.
• Continue on Ridgemont by-pass straight over Salford Rd and Stn Rd rbts to the Stn Rd/A507 T – Junction.
• At the T – Junction, take a left turn onto the A507 to Ridgmont
• Continue on the A507, through Ridgmont, to the A507/Fordfield Rd Crossroads.
• At the crossroads take a right turn onto Fordfield Rd.
• Continue on Fordfield Rd and merge onto Steppingley Rd.
• Continue on past Flitwick Railway Stn to the Steppingley Road/A5120 Rbt.
• At the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A5120.
• Continue on the A5120 through the village of Westoning and rejoin the M1 at J12.

Section of the M1 shut following collision

A part of the M1 has come to a standstill following a multi vehicle collsion, National Highway confirmed.

The motorway is closed southbound between J13 (near Bedford) and J12 (Flitwick).

Drivers have been told to expect delays as they are diverted away from the scene.

Police remain at the scene of the horror crash

The M1 in Bedfordshire is closed southbound between J13 near (Bedford) and J12 (Flitwick) due to a multi vehicle collision.

National Highways said police, fire servcies, paramedics and air ambulance services were all at the scene on Sunday afternoon.

Bedfordshire Police remain on scene to carry out a Police Investigation.