Motorists are urged to avoid the area due to the extreme temperatures expected later
The M1 is expected to remain closed in both directions throughout the morning between junctions 16 and 18 after a serious road traffic collision involving multiple vehicles. The M45 has also been closed, heading towards the M1, as result of the incident.
Emergency services are in attendance at the scene of the collision between the exits for Daventry and Northampton. All traffic is stationary and being held.
Northamptonshire Police are urging motorists to avoid the area today due to the extreme temperatures expected later.
A tweet from National Highways at 3.50am said: "The M1 has been closed in both directions between J18 (Daventry) and J16 ( Northampton) following a multiple vehicle collision. All emergency services and #TrafficOfficers are working at the scene."
At 3.47am, Northamptonshire Police's Twitter account said that the motorway is expected to remain closed throughout the morning. It also wrote: "Due to the extreme temperatures expected in the county today, we would ask all drivers to avoid the area and to seek an alternative route. Thank you for your patience & support whilst we deal with this incident."
An update from traffic monitoring service Inrix at 4.21am said: "M1 in both directions closed, stationary traffic due to serious accident, two cars involved from J18 A5 (Rugby) to J16 A4500 (Daventry). Congestion to J19 ( Catthorpe Interchange).
"Following an accident on the Southbound side between J17 (M45 interchange) and J16 at around 03:30. Camera images show there's a lot of trapped traffic. Because of the closure, the M45 Eastbound is also shut between Dunchurch and the M1."
Scroll down for the updates latest
Inrix update at 6.04am:
Queueing traffic due to an accident on the other side on M1 Northbound between J16 A4500 (Daventry) and J18 A5 (Rugby). All lanes have been re-opened. The road has reopened around 6am after being shut for a couple of hours whilst emergency services attended the accident on the Southbound side which remains closed.
M1 Southbound closed, queueing traffic due to accident investigation work between J18 A5 (Rugby) and J16 A4500 (Daventry). Congestion to routes around Weedon Bec and Kilsby as traffic diverts.Following a serious accident involving a car and a van in the early hours of this morning. The opposite side has been reopened. Trapped traffic has been released. The road is likely to remain closed throughout the morning. Diversion – follow the hollow square symbol Southbound and hollow triangle symbol Northbound via routes through Weedon Bec and Kilsby.
Inrix update at 5.03am:
M1 in both directions closed, stationary traffic due to serious accident, two cars involved from J18 A5 (Rugby) to J16 A4500 (Daventry). Congestion to J19 (Catthorpe Interchange).Following an accident on the Southbound side between J17 (M45 interchange) and J16 at around 03:30. Camera images show there's a lot of trapped traffic. Because of the closure, the M45 Eastbound is also shut between Dunchurch and the M1.
For the M1 Southbound road users are advised to follow the Hollow Square diversion symbol on road signs:
Exit at J18.
At the roundabout take the third exit on to the A5 westbound.
At the Parkway Roundabout with the A428 take the first exit.
Follow the A428 westbound to the Crick Roundabout with the A5.
Take the first exit on to the A5 southbound.
Remain on the A5 southbound to Weedon Bec.
At the roundabout with the A45 take the first exit.
Follow the the A45 to the M1 J16.
For M45 eastbound traffic road users are advised to follow the Hollow Circle diversion symbol on road signs:
Exit the M45 at J1 Dunchurch.
At the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A45.
Follow the A45 until the A45/A4256 roundabout.
Take the 2nd exit southbound onto Leamington Way (Daventry Bypass).
Continue along the bypass until the roundabout with the A45/A425 Leamington Way/ Stefan Road roundabout.
Take the 1st exit and continue eastbound along Stefan Way to the A45/A425/B4038 London Road / Stefan Road roundabout.
At the roundabout take the 3rd exit and continue eastbound along the A45 to Weedon village roundabout.
Take the first exit northbound onto the A45 Weedon Bypass.
Continue along the bypass , passing through the A5/A45 and Flore roundabouts to M1 J16 , then rejoin the M1 southbound.
For the M1 Northbound traffic, road users are advised to follow the Hollow Triangle Symbol on road signs:
Exit at J16 and at the roundabout take the first exit on to the A45.
Follow the A45 to Weedon Bec.
At the roundabout with the A5 take the third exit.
Head north on the A5 to the Crick Roundabout with the A428.
Take the third exit and follow the A428 eastbound to the roundabout with the A5.
Take the third exit from the roundabout and follow the A5 to J18 of the M1.
If travelling from further afield , road users heading south may wish to use an alternative strategic diversion route:
If you are travelling from the North West / West Midlands you may wish to use the A42 south – M42 south – M40 south
If you are travelling from the North East you may wish to use the A14 east – M11 south
If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.
Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our regional twitter feed. Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.