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Multiple Crashes Close M25 and M1 Sections

Published 26 January 2026

Multiple collisions on two of Britain's busiest motorways, the M25 and M1, led to partial and full closures early Thursday morning, causing widespread delays for commuters around London and Hertfordshire. The incidents, occurring between 5 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., involved overturned vehicles and other crashes, prompting emergency responses and traffic diversions that disrupted travel for hours.

The first incident unfolded on the M1 southbound in Hertfordshire, where a collision near junction 6 for St. Albans closed the road to junction 5 for Watford. National Highways reported the crash around 5 a.m., with emergency services arriving shortly after to assist. Traffic officers managed the scene, releasing vehicles past the closure using the hard shoulder while recovery crews worked. The closure lasted approximately five hours, with the motorway fully reopening by 10:39 a.m. Motorists faced diversions following hollow circle signs: exiting at junction 6 onto Waterdale, turning left onto the A405 St. Albans Road and Kingsway North Orbital Road, then proceeding via the A41 North Western Avenue to rejoin at junction 5. Officials advised drivers to allow extra time or reroute, estimating...

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