M1 traffic: Drivers facing chaos as lorry fire causes 6-mile queues
One of the four lanes on this busy motorway remains closed as commuters have been warned to expect hour-long delays.
British motorists are set to face traffic chaos this morning on a major motorway following a huge lorry fire.
One of the four lanes on the M1 is closed while emergency services tackle the incident. Motorists could face around six miles of traffic chaos, adding hours to their journeys.
The fire, which was first reported to Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service at around 7am this morning, took place on the M1 Northbound between Junction 29 and 29A.
The service said in a statement to X: "Lane closures are in place, which may affect journey times this morning."
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Speed on motorway down to 10mph
The incident is now expected to clear after midday, according to National Highways, as drivers are forced to slow to a painful 10mph.
The traffic incident on the M1 northbound between junctions J11 and J11A has been cleared, however.
One lane reopens but motorists still face 'hour long' delays
One lane has reopened but traffic chaos is still expected.
In an update, National Highways said: "Another lane has re-opened on the M1 northbound between J29 Chesterfield and J29a MarkhamVale.
"One lane remains closed for recovery and clear-up.
"There is approximately six miles of congestion on the approach to the closure which is adding about an hour on to normal journey times."
Traffic monitoring service Inrix said: "Long delays and one lane closed due to lorry fire on M1 Northbound from J29 A617 (Chesterfield / Mansfield) to J29A A6192 Erin Road (Markham Vale / Bolsover).
"Lanes one (of four) remain closed."
Fire and Rescue Service statement in full
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service rushed to the scene to tackle the HGV fire this morning.
They remain on the scene with crews from Chesterfield, Staveley, Bolsover and Buxton.
A statement from the service reads: "We currently have crews from Chesterfield Fire Station, Staveley Fire Station, Bolsover Fire Station and Buxton along with crews from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service in attendance at a vehicle fire on M1 Northbound between Junction 29 and 29A.
"Lane closures are in place, which may affect journey times this morning."
Incident expected to clear around 11am
There are currently delays of 40 minutes against expected traffic on the M1 northbound between J11 and J11A.
There are also 20 minute delays between J10 and J11 northbound.
Map reveals traffic buildup
National highways reveals that there is currently a "severe" buildup of traffic on the M1 northbound between junctions J28 and J29.
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Follow our live blog for the latest updates on M1 traffic this morning.