Lanes open after M1 closure near Leeds after resurfacing delay caused by broken-down machinery

Drivers continue to face delays on the M1 near Wakefield following overnight emergency resurfacing works but not to the extent after yesterday’s HGV invident.

Three of the four lanes on the M1 northbound between Junction 40 (Flushdyke Interchange for Dewsbury, Batley, and Wakefield) and Junction 41 (Carrgate Interchange) have now reopened.

Lane 1 (of 4) remains closed to allow workers to safely manage the site following a serious collision between an HGV and a car on Monday afternoon, which resulted in a massive diesel spill across all four lanes.

The incident involved an HGV and a car and left diesel spilt across four lanes.

Resurfacing work has taken place overnight, but has taken longer than expected after a planer required for the works broke down while travelling to the site, National Highways said.

National Highways confirmed that while the main carriageway has been reopened and traffic is currently flowing with no reported delays, final emergency resurfacing work will be completed overnight tonight (August 4).

The update brings relief to motorists who faced delays of up to 21 minutes and four-mile queues earlier this morning. The motorway was originally due to reopen fully by 6am, but the work was delayed after a specialised planer vehicle required for the resurfacing broke down en route to the site.

National Highways Yorkshire confirmed via social media: "Lane 1 (of 4) is closed on the M1 northbound between J40 and J41 near Wakefield due to emergency roadworks. Resurfacing work is scheduled to take place overnight tonight (04/08). No delays in the area at present."

Drivers planning to travel through the junction late tonight should expect further temporary lane closures or short diversions while resurfacing takes place.

Traffic is being diverted off the M1 at J40 and should follow the diversion route marked with a hollow triangle symbol on local road signs:

• Exit the M1 at J40, and at the roundabout take the first exit onto the A638 Wakefield Road.
• Continue to the roundabout with the B6128 (Owl Lane).
• Take the third exit onto the B6128 (Owl Lane).
• Continue to the traffic-light-controlled junction with the A653 (Leeds Road).
• Turn right onto the A653 (Leeds Road).
• Continue on the A653 (Leeds Road/Dewsbury Road) to the Tingley Interchange with the M62 (J28).
• At the Tingley Interchange roundabout, take the 4th exit to join the M62 eastbound.
• Follow existing motorway signage for the M1 northbound, M1 southbound or the M62 eastbound, as required.