Lorry left hanging off bridge after crash on M1
A lorry was left hanging above a major road after crashing into a bridge barrier on the M1.
It was lifted by a crane into an upright position, but the collision meant the M1 southbound carriageway was closed at junction 19, Leicestershire Police said.
The A14, which is beneath the M1, was also closed in both directions, with roads linking the M6 with the A14 also blocked.
National Highways[1] said the closures would be in place “most of the day” owing to the “nature of the collision and complex recovery work”.
The crash happened in the early hours of Monday morning, resulting in four miles of congestion and delays of 45 minutes, according to National Highways.
The Northants Roads Policing Team shared a picture online of the large vehicle teetering towards the A14, with its rear end in mid-air.
The crash meant a stretch of the M1 and the A14 below it were closed
Credit: Northants Roads Policing Team/SWNS
It has landed at an awkward angle across the edge of the bridge and the road, with half of its back wheels hanging off.
Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes and avoid the area where possible while arrangements were made to remove the vehicle and ensure both roads are safe to be reopened, police said.
The highway maintenance agency said: “A HGV has struck a near-side bridge barrier and come to rest hanging over the A14.
“All emergency services and recovery contractors are working at the scene.”
A Leicestershire Police spokesman said on Monday: “Police were called at 4.37am to a report of a collision involving a lorry on the M1 southbound carriageway at junction 19, the Catthorpe Interchange.
“It is reported the lorry has collided with the barrier leaving part of the vehicle and the barrier resting over the edge of the carriageway.
“The driver has safely left his vehicle and is not injured.”
References
- ^ National Highways (www.telegraph.co.uk)