M1 traffic has ground to a halt near Northampton this weekend after a serious crash involving an overturned van forced the motorway to close northbound between Junction 16 and Junction 17.
The collision happened in Northamptonshire on Saturday, prompting emergency services and recovery teams to shut the road due to a “significant” oil spill across multiple lanes.
Drivers travelling towards the M45 face long delays as authorities work to clear debris and make the carriageway safe.
What happened on the M1 near Northampton?
The crash occurred between J16 (Northampton) and J17 (M45) on the northbound carriageway of the M1 motorway.
Two vehicles were involved in the collision. One van overturned during the incident, spilling what officials described as a significant amount of oil across the road surface.
Oil spills create serious safety risks, especially at motorway speeds, as they reduce tyre grip and increase the chance of further crashes.
National Highways confirmed the closure in a public update, stating: “The M1 in Northamptonshire remains closed northbound between J16 (Northampton) & J17 (M45) due to a collision involving an overturned van which has resulted in a significant oil spillage across the road. Recovery is now on scene, and we’re working to clear debris.”
The #M1 in #Northamptonshire remains closed northbound between J16 (#Northampton) & J17 (#M45) due to a collision.
We are working to clear a large oil spillage, with the aim to get lane 4 open to allow traffic caught within the closure to pass the scene of the incident. pic.twitter.com/MJbWjcqnoj
— National Highways: East Midlands (@HighwaysEMIDS) February 28, 2026
Why has the motorway remained closed?
Authorities closed the M1 because of the oil spill and debris scattered across lanes. Cleaning oil from a motorway surface takes time. Crews must:
- Remove the overturned vehicle
- Clear debris
- Apply a specialist absorbent material
- Resurface affected areas if needed
Oil contamination often requires specialist treatment before vehicles can safely travel at normal motorway speeds.
Recovery teams arrived shortly after emergency services secured the scene. However, officials have not confirmed a reopening time.
How is M1 traffic affected this weekend?
The closure has triggered significant congestion across Northamptonshire and surrounding areas.
Drivers heading north towards the Midlands are experiencing:
- Long tailbacks approaching J16
- Diversions via the A45 and local A-roads
- Increased congestion near Daventry and Rugby
Weekend traffic volumes on the M1 typically rise due to leisure travel and football fixtures across the Midlands.
According to Department for Transport data from 2023, sections of the M1 regularly carry over 130,000 vehicles per day, making even short closures highly disruptive.
Local businesses near diversion routes have also reported slower journey times affecting deliveries.
What are authorities advising drivers to do?
National Highways is urging motorists to:
- Avoid the affected stretch if possible
- Follow signed diversion routes
- Allow extra travel time
- Check live traffic updates before setting off
Drivers can monitor updates via National Highways’ social media feeds and local radio bulletins.
Has anyone been injured?
Officials have not released details about injuries at this stage. Emergency services remain at the scene, and investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
Northamptonshire Police has yet to issue a formal statement regarding casualties or road reopening times.
