Drivers have been warned they face "severe delays” of roughly two hours on a major motorway this evening as emergency repair works cause huge congestion and lane closures.
The M1 northbound between junctions 23a and J26 is currently operating with huge traffic backlogs following a significant lorry fire late last night which damaged the road.
Emergency resurfacing operations are currently underway, with three out of four lanes closed as National Highways crews work to repair the damaged carriageway.
The closure between East Midlands Airport and Nottingham is causing major disruption for travellers heading northbound, with drivers urged to avoid the area.
Drivers are currently experiencing a two-hour delay
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
National Highways has reported that the lane closures were necessary to allow newly laid tarmac to set properly following the fire damage last night.
The resurfacing work is specifically taking place between J25 Stapleford and J26 Nuthall in Nottinghamshire.
Congestion is stretching back approximately 10 miles to Junction 23a for East Midlands Airport.
The situation has worsened throughout the day, with National Highways initially reporting 45-minute delays, which increased to 60 minutes, then 90 minutes, before reaching the current two-hour wait.
By mid-afternoon, the traffic authority confirmed "severe delays of up to 120 minutes" on their social media channels.
Local roads in the area are also experiencing significant delays as motorists attempt to find alternative routes.
Traffic is being diverted through Derby and Nottingham, causing congestion on these local road networks.
Drivers have already taken to social media to vent their frustration with one motorist sharing on X: "And along with severe congestion on all alternate routes through Derby and Nottingham while people try and find a different route."
Normal traffic conditions are expected to return by 9:30pm this evening
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Another commenter warned that the motorway is "complete and utter carnage" and advised others to "avoid avoidavoid."
National Highways said: "Road users are also advised to be aware of significant delays on local roads in the area as traffic looks to divert and avoid these delays.
"If this incident impacts your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."
Normal traffic conditions are expected to return later this evening between 9:30pm and 9:45pm.
Drivers have been warned of 10-miles of congestion
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
The RAC warned: "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."
