Motorists across England have been warned of severe disruption this morning with multiple major routes closed and a severe weather warning in place across motorways and A-roads.
The A1 southbound in Lincolnshire and the M61 in Greater Manchester is currently closed in both directions between Junction 6 (Horwich Interchange) and Junction 5 (Hunger Hill Interchange) due to a serious police-led incident.
On top of road closures National Highways has issued a severe weather alert for snow, which is expected to affect southern and central parts of the network from this evening.
The combination of road closures and impending severe weather has prompted authorities to advise travellers to plan ahead and expect significant delays.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing[email protected]
Stretch of the motorway remains closed for drivers while emergency services attend the scene
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Diversions are in place on affected routes, with drivers urged to allow extra journey time or consider postponing non-essential travel.
Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire Police, North West Ambulance Service and National Highways are all in attendance at the M61 incident.
Drivers are being directed to follow specific diversion routes marked with solid diamond symbols for southbound traffic and hollow circle symbols for northbound traffic.
Southbound motorists must exit at Junction 6 and follow the A6027 before joining the A6 southbound and then the A58 eastbound to rejoin at Junction 5.
Northbound traffic is being diverted via the A58 westbound, then north on the A6 before taking the A6027 eastbound to return to the motorway at Junction 6.
The A1 southbound near Grantham remains closed between the A52 and A607 following a serious single-vehicle collision which occurred late Thursday evening.
Emergency roadworks are currently underway, with National Highways unable to provide a definitive reopening time.
Motorists are being directed to follow a ‘Hollow Square’ diversion route, exiting at the A52 junction for Barrowby.
The diversion takes drivers westbound on the A52 towards Nottingham for 13 miles, before joining the A46 southbound and later the A606 eastbound through Melton Mowbray.
The final stretch directs traffic along the A607 for approximately 13 miles through Waltham on the Wolds and Harlaxton, where vehicles can rejoin the A1 southbound.
Meanwhile, a severe weather alert for snow has been issued across England, with disruption expected between 3pm today and 11:59pm on Sunday.
The snow is forecast to spread north-eastwards across southern and central parts of the network on Saturday evening.
National Highways warned that Trans-Pennine routes will be especially affected, with snowfall of 10-20cm predicted, potentially reaching 25cm over the highest parts of the network including the A66 Old Spittal, M62 Windy Hill, and A628 Woodhead Pass.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Petrol and diesel drivers see fuel prices skyrocket with worry 2025 will hit new heights
- Labour ‘confident’ electric cars is the ‘swift conclusion’ to end petrol and diesel sales amid push toward net zero
- Driving law changes you missed in 2024 – Petrol and diesel drivers face daily costs, car tax hikes and more
M61 remains closed with drivers urged to follow diversions
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
The snow is expected to last for six to seven hours before turning to rain, though northern areas may see snow lingering through Sunday.
Road users are being strongly advised to monitor overhead signs and radio updates, with further information available on the Met Office website.