M42 traffic: Major motorway closed in both directions just miles from huge airport

A major motorway was closed to all traffic this afternoon after a heavy crash, sparking rush hour chaos.

The M42 was closed in both directions at its junction with the M1, with that junction also closed on that motorway.

Leicestershire Police tweeted: "** Traffic Update 15:56** The M42 is closed both north and southbound between the junctions of Tonge and M1 J23a - Please find alternate routes. Updates to follow."

National Highways said the route was closed due to a "road traffic collision" and expects traffic to clear by 7.30pm.

It added there were delays of 40 minutes against expected traffic, with both lanes shut in both directions.

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