Drivers have been warned to expect huge delays on the M1 in Leicestershire as the motorway has been closed at critical junctions to deal with a police-led incident.
The M1 in Leicestershire is closed both ways between junction 22 and junction 21a after police shut the roads in the early hours of the morning due to a death on the road.
A man died after colliding with a HGV on the southbound carriageway of the M1, close to junction 22.
Due to the incident, the motorway remains closed in both directions between junction 21a and 22 northbound and 22 and 21 southbound while the incident is dealt with.
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The route is expected to remain closed for a number of hours
PANational Highways said traffic officers are also in attendance assisting with traffic management with drivers advised to take alternative routes.
The route is expected to remain closed for a number of hours with drivers warned of huge delays as the police and traffic officers deal with the incident.
Road users are advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol on road signs and leave the M1 southbound at J22 and at the roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A50.
From there they need to follow the A50 eastbound to the A50/A46 interchange and at the roundabout take the fourth exit onto the A46.
Drivers should continue on the A46 back to M1 J21A and merge with the M1 southbound to continue their journey.
National Highways on both social media and on its website are constantly updating to keep drivers informed.
Leicestershire police said: “Officers are in the early stage of their investigation and are looking to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident.
“Anyone who was driving past junction 22 of the M1 is also asked to check their dash cam for any footage that may assist with the investigation.”
East Midlands Ambulance Service were called to the scene with the incident estimated to have happened before 3:20am.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or via www.leics.police.uk quoting incident 61 of 22 March.
National Highways revealed it should be re-opening the northbound junction within the hour.
Traffic England said it expects the event to clear between 15:30 and 15:45.
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Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101
PADue to the closure drivers are warned to expect a 30-minute delay northbound and 10 minutes south on the M1 route.