M1 closed at Milton Keynes for emergency works as major damage done to key route

National Highways said the road will be closed overnight to repair damage caused by a large diesel spillage following a collision involving two lorries and a van

Part of busy motorway is closed overnight for emergency resurfacing works after a three-vehicle crash.

The M1 northbound is closed between Junction 14 (Milton Keynes) and Junction 15 (Northampton) for emergency resurfacing works following a collision on Tuesday, February 24 involving two lorries and a van. The incident occurred at around 1.45pm.

All vehicles involved in the collision were recovered on Tuesday afternoon, but a large diesel spillage contaminated three lanes and caused significant damage to the road surface, National Highways said.

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Contractors have confirmed the scale of the damage required a full overnight closure so repairs could be completed safely.

Emergency resurfacing is underway and traffic is being directed onto a signed diversion route.

National Highways said delays remain low at the time of writing. No estimated reopening time has been provided.

“The duration of the repairs and surface curing cannot yet be confirmed but it is expected that the road will remain closed throughout the night,” National Highways said.

The traffic authority has advised road users to follow the diversion and allow extra time for their journey.

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

• Exit at J14 and turn left onto the A509 to the Northfield Road Roundabout.
• Take the third exit westbound onto the A509 Portway.
• Continue on the A509 Portway passing over the Pineham, Pagoda, North Overgate, North Skeldon, Belvedere, North
• Secklow, North Saxon, North Witan and North Grafton roundabouts (9 in total) to the A5/A509 Portway Roundabout.
• At the A5/A509 take the third exit onto the A5 northwest.
• Continue on the A5 to the A5/A508/A422 Old Stratford Roundabout.
• At Old Stratford Roundabout take the fourth exit onto the A508 northeast.
• Continue on the A508 through Grafton Regis and Roade to re-join the M1 at J15

National Highways said that delays are likely on approach to the closure and diversion routes.

“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,” National Highways 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.

“The lorry left the carriageway and struck overhead power cables, causing significant infrastructure damage and a local power outage. Specialist engineers require full closures to safely rehang the cables across the motorway,” National Highways said.