M1 Chaos: Northbound Lane Shut After Major Crash Between Milton Keynes and Northampton
A serious crash has shut the entire northbound M1 between Milton Keynes (Junction 14) and Northampton (Junction 15). Emergency teams including Northamptonshire Police and National Highways are on site. The motorway could stay closed well into tonight, sparking severe traffic mayhem.
Rush Hour Nightmare: Delays to Hit Morning Commute
National Highways warns the closure will wreak havoc on the morning rush hour. Motorists should expect gridlock until at least 11:15am. They’re urged to find alternative routes or delay travel if possible.
Meanwhile, the southbound lanes between the same junctions remain partially closed with lane restrictions causing additional delays. These are expected to clear by 8:45am.
Official Diversion Route – How to Avoid the Queue
Traffic is being forced off the M1 at Junction 14. The official detour is:
- Leave at J14, take the A509 to Northfield Road Roundabout
- Head west on the A509 Portway from the third exit
- Pass nine roundabouts to the A5/A509 Portway Roundabout
- Take third exit northwest onto the A5
- Follow A5 to the A5/A508/A422 Old Stratford Roundabout
- Take fourth exit northeast onto the A508
- Continue through Grafton Regis and Roade to rejoin M1 at J15
Queues are stretching both on the motorway and diversion routes. Drivers must allow extra journey time and follow diversion signs marked with a hollow diamond.
Police Clear Way for Stranded Drivers to Turn Back
Good news for those stuck in the closure. Police have authorised releasing all trapped vehicles via lane four, allowing them to U-turn and head south.
“Police have now advised we can release all of the remainder of the traffic caught within the closure via lane four. Thank you for your continued patience,” said a National Highways spokesperson.
Crash Cameras Switched Off to Protect Privacy
CCTV cameras around the crash have been temporarily taken offline. This move prevents live broadcasts showing sensitive images or vehicle details.
A spokesman for MotorwayCameras.co.uk said: “This happens when an agency takes control of cameras during an incident to avoid showing identifiable details like vehicle registrations.”
Stay with Us for Live Updates
This is a developing situation. We’ll keep you posted as emergency crews work to clear the wreckage and reopen this vital motorway.
