Major M1 Disruption Following Three-Vehicle Collision
Drivers travelling on the M1 motorway experienced severe disruption and lengthy delays on Sunday morning after a significant three-vehicle crash occurred. The incident took place between junction 6 at St Albans and junction 5 near Watford, leading to the complete closure of all lanes in the affected section.
Traffic Conditions and Expected Recovery
According to reports from the Motorway Cameras monitoring service, the collision resulted in all traffic lanes being shut down to allow emergency services to attend the scene safely. Authorities initially anticipated that normal traffic flow would resume between 9:00 am and 9:15 am on January 25, 2026, though this timeline was subject to change based on ongoing recovery operations.
The closure created substantial tailbacks and congestion for motorists heading through Hertfordshire, with many facing unexpected delays during their Sunday journeys. The precise cause of the three-vehicle collision remains under investigation by relevant authorities.
Impact on Local and Through Traffic
This incident highlights the vulnerability of major transport corridors like the M1 to sudden disruptions. The stretch between St Albans and Watford is a crucial link for both local commuters and long-distance travellers, meaning the effects of the closure were felt widely across the region.
Drivers were advised to seek alternative routes where possible and to allow extra time for their travels while recovery work continued. Such incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the rapid response capabilities of emergency services on Britain's busy motorway network.
