WCML Closed by the M1 in Northamptonshire

[D306]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/northamptonshire/7026490.stm

Fears of explosion close the M1
Fears of a gas explosion have closed the M1 in Northamptonshire north and southbound after a van containing a propane gas cylinder caught fire.
The motorway has been closed near Watford gap services between junctions 16 and 17.

Northamptonshire Police have put up a 200m cordon around the van which caught fire on the hard shoulder of the northbound carriageway.

All trains running along the West coast mainline have also been stopped.

The M45 at its approach to the M1 is also closed.

A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said: "Vehicles are now queueing in both directions along the motorway while the fire service deals with the incident.

"Advice has also been given to rail operators on the West Coast main line, which runs adjacent to the M1, not to run trains along this section of the line while this incident is taking place."

Motorists are advised by police to avoid the area until at least 1700 BST.

All trains running along the West coast mainline have also been stopped.

According to BBCi delays of upton 30 mins.

 

[westcoaster]

blah they will go via notrhampton it adds about an extra 15 mins to the journey, but a bit longer at this time of the night , northampton becomes a bottleneck.

 

[Coxster]

Sorry for the bump, but trains were not suspended as said in the report. Trains were diverted via Northampton, with delays and extended journey times combined causing delays of around 30 minutes.