Drivers have been warned to expect long delays this afternoon after a multi-vehicle crash caused a large spillage of oil onto a busy motorway.
The incident has caused the M1 in Bedfordshire to close northbound between J12 near Flitwick and J13 near Milton Keynes.
National Highways has warned drivers of delays of more than 45 minutes, with traffic currently operating at 12mph.
To help deal with the collision, emergency services have been dispatched to the scene alongside Bedfordshire Police and Traffic Officers.
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Drivers have been warned of roughly 45 minutes of delays this afternoon
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
The agency explained that traffic caught in the scene is being released, but may take time due to the large amounts of oil spilt during the collision.
National Highways warned drivers to allow extra journey time and to plan ahead, re-route or even delay journeys due to the incident.
Updating drivers on the incident, the agency shared on X: "The M1 northbound in Bedfordshire is now closed between J12 (Flitwick) and J13 (Bedford/Milton Keynes) following a multiple vehicle collision.
"All emergency services and Traffic Officers are working at the scene."
Drivers have been urged to follow the diversion in place
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Drivers have now been urged to follow a diversion route via the Hollow Diamond diversion symbol on road signs.
The route urges drivers to take the J12 exit slip road and go onto the A5120 northeast to Westoning.
From here, they should continue on the A5120, through Westoning to the A5120/Steppingley Road roundabout.
At the A5120/Steppingley Road roundabout, drivers should take the second exit onto Steppingley Road.
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Once here, they should continue on Steppingley Road past Flitwick Railway Station and merge onto Fordfield Road.
Motorists need to continue on Fordfield Road to the A507/Fordfield Road Crossroads. At the crossroads, keep right onto the A507 Ridgemont by-pass.
Continue straight over Station Road and Salford Road roundabouts and merge onto the A421 Bedford Road.
Drivers should then continue on the A421 Bedford Road and re-join the M1 at Junction 13.
National Highways officers and emergency services are working on reopening the road
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Normal traffic conditions are expected to return between 4:45pm and 5pm later today.
The M1 motorway connects London to Leeds and stretches 193.6 miles in length.
The RAC shared: "As with all motorways in the UK, there is always the risk of an accident on the M1 although there are excellent safety precautions in place. Always check for M1 traffic news to be aware of any accidents, and to avoid these areas if possible during your journey."
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