M1 traffic RECAP: Chaos after vehicle fire on major UK motorway with 90-minute delays
National Highways warned that the fire has caused six miles of congestion and that drivers should allow extra time for their journey on the M1.
The M1 motorway is experiencing major delays northbound because of a vehicle fire that has caused traffic chaos. The fire occurred between Junction 17 for Kilsby and Junction 18 for Crick.
As a result of the fire, drivers are facing delays of up to 90 minutes. In a statement, National Highways said the fire service and traffic officers were in attendance.
In a statement, they explained: "Emergency services including Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue are in attendance. National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene assisting with traffic management.
"There is approx. 6 miles of congestion on approach to the incident. Road users are advised to expect disruption and to allow extra journey time."
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National Highways reduces delays to 30 minutes
In an update following the vehicle fire, the National Highways has reduced the delays down to 30 minutes between Junction 17 and Junction 18. They said: "There are currently delays of 30 minutes against expected traffic."
Traffic delays reduced to one hour
The National Highways has said traffic delays have been reduced from 90 minutes to one hour.
In an update, they said the incident on the M1 between Junction 17 and Junction 18 is expected to be cleared by just before 6pm.
In an update, they said: "The event is expected to clear between 17:30 and 17:45 on 29 June 2024
"Normal traffic conditions are expected between 17:30 and 17:45 on 29 June 2024."
National Highways issues update on M1
The National Highways has issued an update on how the traffic is being managed on the M1 northbound following the fire earlier today.
They said: "Lanes 1, 3 and 4 (of 4) are currently closed whilst emergency services, including Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue, work to clear the scene.
"National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene assisting with traffic management.
"Traffic is able to pass the incident in lane 2 only. There is approx. 6 miles of congestion on approach to the incident."
National Highways issues update on M1 traffic
National Highways has issued an update on the status of the traffic.
Writing on X, they said: "Traffic has been released in lane 2 only on the #M1 northbound between J17 (#M45) and J18 (#Crick).
"Lanes 1, 3 and 4 remain closed whilst emergency services continue to work at scene.
"We're still reporting severe delays on approach of at least 90 minutes above profile."
National Highways extends congestion warning to Junction 16
National Highways has expanded the congestion warning to include Junction 16.
In an update, they said: "Normal traffic conditions are expected between 17:15 and 17:30 on 29 June 2024.
"There are currently delays of 1 and a half hours against expected traffic."
Photograph shows extent of traffic on M1
A photograph has revealed some of the dense traffic queuing up on the M1 as the authorities deal with the vehicle fire.
The photo shows lorries and cars queuing up in the heat.
National Highways reveals when the incident is expected to clear
National Highways has revealed that the incident between Junctions 17 and 18 is expected to be cleared by around 16:15.
In an update on their website, they said: "The event is expected to clear between 16:15 and 16:30 on 29 June 2024.
"Normal traffic conditions are expected between 17:15 and 17:30 on 29 June 2024."
Map shows location of congestion
A map has revealed the extent of the congestion being caused by the vehicle fire.
In a statement, National Highways said: "There is approx. 6 miles of congestion on approach to the incident. Road users are advised to expect disruption and to allow extra journey time."
Where is the incident happening?
The incident is happening on the M1 between Junction 17 for Kilsby and Junction 18 for Crick.
Welcome to our live blog
We'll be bringing you the latest updates on the delays on the M1 northbound following a vehicle fire between Junction 17 and Junction 18.
