A MAJOR UK motorway has been forced to close after a horror smash in the early hours – sparking huge delays.
Motorists have been urged to avoid the M1 near St Albans, Hertfordshire, following the crash this morning.
Emergency crews were scrambled to the collision at around 5am.
National Highways confirmed traffic officers remain at the scene between Junction 6, for St Albans, and Junction 5, for Watford.
Diversions are currently in place, with southbound drivers urged to follow the hollow circle symbol on road signs.
The service said: “The M1 in Hertfordshire is closed southbound between J6 (St Albans) and J5 (Watford) due to a collision.
“Emergency services are currently on scene. National Highways Traffic Officers are dealing with traffic management.
“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.”
Traffic is expected to return to normal at around 9.30am – more than four hours after the crash.
Diversion route
Road users are advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol on road signs
- Exit the M1 southbound at J6
- At the end of the exit slip ‘Waterdale’ turn left on to the A405/St Albans Road/Kingsway North Orbital Road
- At the Leavesdon roundabout/A41 Interchange take the 1st exit on the A41 ‘N. Western Avenue’.
- At the Dome roundabout take the 2nd exit continuing on the A41 ‘Colne Way’/N. Western Avenue’.
- At the Berrygrove roundabout take the 2nd exit to access the M1 J5 southbound entry slip.
Yesterday, a lorry crash sparked severe delays for motorists using the Dartford tunnel.
Two northbound lanes were shut between Junction 1A of the A206 (Dartford) and Junction 31 of the A1306 (Lakeside).
National Highways said a lorry that was over the permitted height caused extensive damage on Friday afternoon.
The left tunnel under the River Thames, taking drivers from Kent into Essex, remained closed for hours.
