A major incident on the M1 motorway has caused severe disruption for Friday morning commuters, with a combination of a lorry crash and heavy snowfall leading to significant lane closures and long delays.
Crash and Weather Combine to Cause Chaos
The disruption began in the early hours of Friday, 9 January 2026, when a lorry was involved in a crash on the M1 northbound carriageway. The incident occurred between junction 28 for Mansfield and junction 29 for Chesterfield.
Compounding the problem, Storm Goretti has been sweeping across the country, bringing snow to the region. The wintry conditions have made the scene hazardous and hampered recovery efforts.
Ongoing Recovery and Travel Advice
As a result, three out of the four lanes on that stretch of the motorway have been closed to traffic. National Highways has confirmed that recovery operations for the stricken lorry are currently underway.
Furthermore, the agency's winter fleet vehicles have been deployed and are en route to clear the accumulating snow from the carriageway. Drivers are being warned to expect considerable delays.
Major Congestion Builds at Rush Hour
The closure and adverse weather have already led to four miles of congestion building on the approach to the incident. With the morning rush hour now commencing, traffic volumes are increasing, and delays are likely to lengthen.
National Highways and local traffic authorities are urging motorists to allow extra time for their journeys, consider alternative routes if possible, and drive with extreme caution due to the slippery road surfaces.
This is a developing story, and further updates on the recovery and reopening of lanes will follow as the situation progresses.
