There are severe delays between junction 14 near Milton Keynes and junction 15 for Northampton.
Highways England has confirmed the closure follows a collision involving an HGV and a large diesel spillage.
A spokesman said: "Contractors are working at the scene to clear the spillage.
Most Popular
-
1
Police step up patrols after Bedford car workshop broken into more than 35 TIMES
-
2
Burst water main on outskirts of Bedford causes concern
-
3
Bedford commuters: Only travel if absolutely necessary this weekend
-
4
Three members of the same Bedford family die in Italian road crash
-
5
‘Threatening and violent’ beggar banned from Bedford and ANY Tesco in town
"Please seek an alternative route as 8 miles of queuing traffic on the approach."
The incident is also affecting surrounding routes including the A508 northbound where there is very slow traffic.