A46 and A38 chaos: Motorists face traffic havoc as snow and ice forces major roads to shut

Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 02/01/2026

- 09:22

Updated: 02/01/2026

- 09:58

National Highways has warned drivers to avoid affected roads this morning

Drivers are being warned of multiple road closures this morning as weather conditions cause havoc for thousands of drivers travelling across the East Midlands.

The southbound carriageway of the A46 in Nottinghamshire has been closed between the A606 at Hickling and the B676 near Six Hills.


National Highways reported that this was due to multiple collisions in close proximity following "adverse weather and road conditions".

It added that one lane of two has been closed on the northbound carriageway to help traffic officers deal with the response to the issues.

Nottinghamshire Police is managing the incidents on the southbound carriageway, while Leicestershire Police are dealing with the problems on the northbound.

Leicestershire Police is asking drivers not to take the route between Six Hills and Willoughby-on-the-Wolds due to a "high risk of skidding".

National Highways has confirmed that its contractors are attending both incidents to assist with gritting the road surface and ensuring it is safe before re-opening.

While a signposted diversion route has not been unveiled, traffic is being diverted via local roads.

Motorists are dealing with multiple accidents in the East Midlands this morning

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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

The transport organisation urged motorists to "drive with extra caution this morning due to adverse road conditions".

Drivers are also facing issues on the A38 in Derby, with the road being closed northbound between the A5111 (Kingsway) and the A52 (Markeaton) due to weather conditions.

Derbyshire Police are in attendance and have closed the A38 due to snow and ice impacting the carriageway.

National Highways confirmed that officers from Derbyshire Police are also dealing with "a number of collisions".

Drivers are dealing with long traffic delays across the East Midlands today \u200b

Drivers are dealing with long traffic delays across the East Midlands today

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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

Traffic Officers from National Highways have also stated that winter treatment teams are travelling to the area to re-plow and re-grit the road.

Derbyshire Police told GB News: "We were called to a collision on the A38 at Markeaton Island, Derby, just before 6.30am on Friday, January 2. The incident involved two cars, one of which collided with a barrier. No-one was injured.

"Officers made the decision to close the road due to the weather conditions until it could be gritted and the barrier made safe.

"We would urge all drivers to take extra care on the roads during this cold weather, drive to the conditions and comply with any road closures."

Road users are advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol visible on local road signs

  • Exit the A38 at Kingsway roundabout and take the A5111
  • At the Spondon Junction with the A52, turn left (west) onto the A52 until the Pentagon roundabout
  • Turn right (north) onto the A61 and follow it, rejoining the A38 at Little Eaton roundabout