Drivers advised to plan ahead if using M1 in Bedfordshire after lorry hits bridge

Drivers are being advised to plan ahead if using the M1 in Bedfordshire this weekend after a bridge was struck by a HGV this morning.

Three lanes of southbound carriageway of the M1 between junction 13 (Brogborough) and 12 (Toddington) are currently closed resulting in delays of close to 60 minutes. However, lane three is currently being re-opened, with Lane 2 expected to reopen by 6pm.

Lane one will remain closed and a 50mph speed restriction in place while a concrete safety barrier is installed tomorrow by Highways England.

The essential safety repairs are needed due to a collision shortly after 3am this morning (Friday) in which a large amount of diesel was spilled on to the carriageway. Around 200m of safety barrier was also damaged and needs to be repaired.

Highways England will reimplement a closure of lane one, two and three on the southbound carriageway between J13 and J12 at 9pm tonight to secure the pedestrian underpass. The closures of lane two and three are expected to be lifted by midnight.

The concrete safety barrier will remain in place and lane one closed for the next three months whilst Highways England completes repairs to the damaged bridge parapet. However, the speed limit will be restored to 70mph during this time.