Serious M1 shuts motorway in both directions near Hemel …

A crash on the M1 near Hemel Hempstead caused major delays for Hertfordshire commuters this morning. The incident occurred today (Monday, July 31) just before 6am on the southbound carriageway.

The emergency services rushed to the scene, including Herts Police. According to National Highways, delays were up to 90 minutes.

Both carriageways were closed between junction 8 (Hemel Hempstead) and junction 6. A spokesperson for National Highways said: “There are delays of up to 90 minutes on the #M1 southbound with congestion past J10. Approx. 8.5 miles of congestion. The #M1^[1] remains closed in both directions between J8 #HemelHempstead and J6.”

A spokesperson for Herts Police said: “We are currently at the scene of a road traffic collision on the M1. Both carriageways have been shut to allow emergency services to attend the scene. The following junctions have been closed: Junction 8 travelling southbound (Hemel).

“Junction 6 travelling northbound (North Watford). Junction 21A of the M25, North Orbital Road. The slips from the M25 that join the M1 in both directions. We kindly advise motorists to please seek alternative routes as the road closures are anticipated to remain for some time.”

The force also advised commuters that the A505 and the A414 were impacted by the road closures. Hertfordshire commuters were advised to take alternative routes to avoid the disruption.

The East of England Ambulance Service has been approached for comment.

See our blog for updates as they happened below:

References

1. ^{^} #M1 (twitter.com)
2. ^{^} Road closures and resurfacing works set to disrupt Herts drivers this week (www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk)