Motorists traveling on the M1 motorway are facing significant traffic disruptions this afternoon, December 27, largely due to heavy holiday traffic and multiple incidents affecting the busy route.
According to traffic monitoring services, drivers can expect long delays of about 30 minutes on the M1 Southbound from Junction 30 A616 (Worksop / Sheffield South) to Junction 29 A617 (Chesterfield / Mansfield). The situation worsened as congestion increased, with reports also indicating heavy queuing happening on M1 Northbound at Junction 28 A38 (Alfreton / Mansfield) where the travel time is projected at around 20 minutes.
Adding to the woes, motorists have been alerted to another significant cause of delays on the M1 and M69 near Leicester, as confirmed reports indicate disruptions from congestion and previously reported sightings of cyclists on the M1. Delays of approximately 10 minutes are recorded between Junctions 22 and 21A on the M1 southbound, with the M69 northbound at the M1 Junction 21 suffering similar wait times.
The M1's current conditions stem from various incidents throughout the morning, which have caused drivers to be warned to take alternate routes. A major collision blocked all lanes on the M1/N1 northbound between Junctions 18 (N52) and 19 (Ravensdale), leading the TII Motorway Traffic Control Centre to advise: "Please use a different route for your journeys." These warnings have posed significant traffic chaos for commuters trying to access the capital.
Travel conditions are expected to fluctuate across the day, prompting many to heed caution. While traffic is expected to normalize later this evening, with updates predicting conditions to improve between 18:30 and 18:45, current delays remain substantial.
Reports as of yet indicate some relief for drivers: "All lanes open and traffic returned to normal, broken down vehicle removed on M1 Southbound from J22 A511 Little Shaw Lane (Coalville/Ashby-de-la-Zouch) to J21 M69 (Leicester)." Nonetheless, it is still too early to declare the area clear of congestion due to complications noted with heavy traffic earlier today.
With travel management being challenged by this wave of holiday maneuvers, it is recommended for motorists to stay updated and expect potential disruptions to continue. Whether caused by roadworks, as seen between Junctions J19 and J17 of the M1, or as mentioned by reports surrounding weather and visibility across major routes amid foggy conditions affecting both the M1 and M69 near Leicester.
On the other hand, as drivers prepare to return home or head out for holiday outings, authorities are urging extra vigilance along busy roads. Reports are surfacing indicating substantial delays along the M69 northbound due to stop-start traffic near Junction 21.
While some roadway clearing has taken place, allowing for some resumption of normal flow, many remain warned of the potential for more delays. Motorists are urged to plan accordingly and anticipate being stuck longer than expected. Those making their way through the affected regions should constantly check live updates from traffic providers to stay informed.
