M1 Will Not Fully Reopen For Days - Sky News

4:19pm UK, Sunday April 17, 2011

The M1 will not reopen fully for several days after a scrapyard fire under a flyover damaged the motorway just outside London.

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Transport Minister Mike Penning told Sky News the M1 could be partially closed until late next week, causing further problems for motorists after a weekend of disruptions.

Two northbound lanes were expected to open this afternoon after a temporary structure was put in place to support the damaged bridge.

And it is thought two southbound lanes will be opened overnight or in the early hours of Monday morning.

Mr Penning said: "The bridge has been damaged by the fire quite badly and that means we have to make sure it's safe for the motorist and safe for our workers underneath the bridge."

A seven-mile stretch of the motorway between junctions one and four north of London has been shut over much of the weekend following the blaze early on Friday.

One northbound lane was opened at 6.40pm on Saturday, but drivers are still being told to avoid the area.

The fire caused major disruptions on Friday

The closure has caused disruption for tens of thousands of fans going to Wembley for this weekend's FA Cup semi-final matches.

The Highways Agency said it was still investigating the impact of the damage and urgent repairs were needed before the motorway can be fully reopened.

He said: "The viaduct does need to be reinforced before it can carry the weight of traffic and we are putting in supports so we can reopen the road as soon as possible."

He added: "We expect it to be open by 5am on Monday."

Around 40 firefighters tackled the blaze on Friday, which broke out close to Scratchwood Services and Ellesmere Avenue in Mill Hill.

A number of gas cylinders were involved and a hazard zone was set up in case they exploded in the heat.

Trafficlink has warned that the motorway could remain closed "into next week".

Motorists travelling to London from the north are urged to avoid the M1 and use the A1M, the M40 and the A40 instead.