M1 REOPENS after closing in both directions due to crash that sparked queues for miles during rush hour
THE M1 has reopened after it was shut in both directions, following a crash which sparked four-mile queues during rush hour.
The collision happened on the northbound side near Dunton Bassett, Leicester, this afternoon following a crash including a motorbike.
Huge queues built up during rush hour as the motorway was completely closed between Lutterworth and Leicester for northbound traffic.
National Highways said previously: "Lane 3 (of 3) is closed on the northbound between J20 () and J21 ( ) due to a collision.
"Traffic Officers are on scene.
"There are 30 min delays above normal journey time with 4 miles congestion."
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The traffic organisation urged drivers to "please allow time" for delays to clear.
Google Maps suggested traffic was taking around half an hour to pass through the five-mile-long affected section.
Real-time traffic data analysis taken by Inrix stated the crash happened in the third lane of the motorway near the central reservation.
In an update issued at 4.44pm, National Highways said: "All lanes have reopened on the M1 northbound between J20 (Lutterworth) and J21 (M69/Leicester) following an earlier collision.
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"There are 3 miles congestion following this incident so please allow time for delays to clear."
Drivers have been urged to plan ahead or divert to avoid severe delays.
For those looking to find an alternative route northbound, drivers can exit at Junction 20 and take the A4303 eastbound through Magna Park.
Take the first exit onto the A5 northbound and carry on to the M69 Junction 1.
You can join the M69 northbound and proceed to the M1 Junction 21.
For drivers coming southbound if you exit at Junction 21 in Leicester you can take the M69 southbound to the A5 interchange and exit onto the A5 southbound.
Carry on until the A4303 Cross in Hand Roundabout and take the A4303 eastbound back to M1 Junction 20.
