A1 traffic: Chaos on UK's longest road after horror HGV fire sparks delays

There were major delays on the UK's longest road after a HGV fire, as emergency services rushed to the scene on Wednesday afternoon.

By Sam Ormiston, Assistant News Editor

There were huge delays on the UK's longest road after a vehicle fire.

Emergency services rushed to the scene on the A1 in Lincolnshire, after a HGV caught ablaze near Grantham on Wednesday afternoon.

An update on the National Highways website at the time read: "The A1 in Lincolnshire is closed northbound between the A52 near Grantham and the B6326 (Balderton) following a heavy goods vehicle fire.

"Emergency services including Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue are in attendance. Due to the nature of the fire, the road is expected to be closed throughout the afternoon.

"Traffic on the southbound carriageway was temporarily stopped to allow Fire and Rescue to extinguish the fire and make safe. Traffic has now been released on the southbound carriagway."

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A1 traffic cameras

There is traffic chaos on the A1 near Grantham after a HGV fire (Image: Traffic Cameras UK)
Sam Ormiston

End of our live coverage

As all lanes have now reopened, this brings us to the end of our live coverage of this incident.

Thanks for following our updates.

Sam Ormiston

All lanes have reopened

All lanes have now reopened following an earlier fire, National Highways has confirmed.

They wrote on social media: " The #A1 in #Lincolnshire has re-opened northbound between the #A52 at #Grantham and the #B6326 (#Balderton) following a vehicle fire. All lanes have re-opened on the southbound carriageway."

Sam Ormiston

Lanes have reopened on the southbound carriageway

Lanes have reopened on the southbound carriageway of the A1 near Grantham, according to National Hihghways.

The northbound carriageway remains closed.

Sam Ormiston

Diversion route in place - National Highways

National Highways has issued a diversion route for motorists to follow this afternoon as we head into rush hour on the A1.

The diversion route is as follows:

Leave the A1 northbound at Barrowby at turn left onto the A52 heading west. Follow the A52 to the roundabout with the A46 at Saxondale and take the 4th exit onto the A46 northbound.  Continue on the A46 northbound to Newark on Trent and the roundabout with the A1 and rejoin the A1 northbound to continue your journey.

Sam Ormiston

Road to remain closed 'for some time' - Lincolnshire Police

Police have warned that the A1 northbound and southbound will "remain closed for some time" after a HGV caught fire near Grantham.

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police wrote on social media at 1.38pm on Wednesday afternoon: " The A1 northbound and southbound will remain closed for some time to allow Fire & Rescue to extinguish the lorry fire.

"Highways will be putting diversions on, but if you are able to, please avoid the area. If you're currently stuck in traffic, please remain in your cars.

"Emergency services are working as quickly as possible, but there will be delays in the area. We thank you for your patience."

Sam Ormiston

Welcome to our live coverage

Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of this breaking news incident.

There are huge delays on the A1 near Grantham after a HGV caught fire.

Express.co.uk has contacted the emergency services for further information. We will bring you more information as we receive it.

Do you have any photos or information? If so, please email [email protected]

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