A serious accident late last night caused the A14 to be closed to all traffic after emergency services responded to a collision involving a car and a lorry. The incident, which occurred shortly before 10 PM on February 19, 2020, prompted immediate actions from police and traffic management teams.
The A14 is shut down between Junction 1 for Welford and the Catthorpe Interchange in Northamptonshire. According to National Highways, the closure was confirmed around 9:55 PM, stating, "The A14 is closed in both directions following a serious collision between a lorry and a van." Emergency services, including Northamptonshire Police, are on-site managing the situation.
A Northamptonshire Police spokesperson stated, "Emergency services are currently dealing with a serious collision on the A14, which is closed between J1 Welford and the M1/M6 at Catthorpe. It is likely to be closed for some time and drivers are advised to find an alternative route." Motorists have been advised to avoid the area as investigations are underway.
Initially, the road was only closed westbound, but the extent of the incident necessitated full closure, as per traffic data company INRX reports. "A14 in both directions closed due to accident from J1 A5199 (Welford) to M1 J19 (Catthorpe Interchange). Originally just closed westbound, now closed in both directions," the company reported, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Traffic diversions have been implemented to assist affected drivers. For westbound traffic, it is advised to exit the A14 at Junction 1, turning left onto the A5199 Northampton Road, proceeding through Welford and following designated diversion routes. Eastbound traffic from the M6 south or east is rerouted to utilize the M6-M1 link to join the M1 southbound.
The response to the accident has been swift, with full emergency operations expected to continue through the night and potentially well beyond. Authorities are urging anyone traveling through the area to plan alternate routes and stay updated on traffic conditions.
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, this incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of road travel. Public safety officials are committed to resolving the situation as quickly as possible, ensuring the A14 will be reopened once it is safe to do so.