Major motorway closed both ways for a number of hours after ‘police incident’
The M1 motorway has been closed while police respond to an incident.
Drivers do not have access to the road southbound between junctions 21A and 22 at Leicester.
The northbound carriageway was also closed for several hours before it reopened earlier this morning.
As a result, heavy traffic has been building in both directions since the closure at around 3.50am today.
Leicestershire Police said in a tweet earlier: ‘Please be advised that the M1 is closed in both directions due to a police incident.
‘Road closed between junction 21A and 22 northbound & junction 22 and 21 southbound. Please seek alternative routes and updates to follow.’
The force later added that Forest Road in nearby Markfield was also shut.
National Highways East Midlands said: ‘The road is expected to remain closed for a number of hours into the morning peak.’
What diversions are in place?
The agency advised that drivers travelling south should take the following diversion.
- Leave the M1 southbound at J22 and at the roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A50.
- Follow the A50 eastbound to the A50/A46 interchange and at the roundabout take the 4th exit onto the A46.
- Continue on the A46 back to M1 J21A and merge with the M1 southbound to continue your journey.
Meanwhile, drivers heading north are advised to take the following diversion.
- Exit at J21a on to the A46.
- Keep right to join the A46 Leicester Western Bypass.
- Exit at the interchange with the A50.
- At the roundabout take the first exit on to the A50 Markfield Road. Continue on the A50 to J22 of the M1.
- At the junction roundabout take the fourth exit to re-join the M1 northbound.
Those who were planning to drive on the section of road this morning have been urged to allow extra time for their journey.
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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