A busy stretch of the A46 in Leicestershire remained closed in both directions on Monday morning after a serious collision involving two vehicles prompted a large emergency response and caused significant disruption for commuters and other motorists.
The incident occurred shortly after 6:00 a.m. on the A46 between the M1 Junction 21A interchange, serving Leicester North and Kirby Muxloe, and the A5630 near Anstey. Within minutes, Leicestershire Police, ambulance crews, National Highways traffic officers, and other emergency responders arrived at the scene to assist those involved and secure the area.
The severity of the collision led authorities to close both carriageways while emergency personnel worked safely at the scene. The northbound exit slip road from the M1 at Junction 21A was also shut, creating lengthy delays for drivers travelling through one of the region’s busiest transport corridors during the morning rush.
Traffic quickly began building across surrounding routes as motorists searched for alternative roads. National Highways implemented diversion routes to help ease congestion, though officials warned that journeys across the area were expected to take considerably longer than normal.
Northbound traffic has been diverted via the M1 to Junction 22 before joining the A50 southbound and reconnecting with the A46 near Groby. Southbound motorists are being directed from the A46 at Groby onto the A50 before travelling via the M1 southbound back toward Junction 21A.
At this stage, authorities have not released information regarding how the collision occurred. Police have also not confirmed the number of occupants involved or whether anyone sustained injuries. Investigators are expected to examine the scene thoroughly before determining what factors may have contributed to the crash.
Road traffic investigators remained at the location throughout the morning collecting evidence, documenting the scene, and coordinating vehicle recovery operations. Incidents involving serious collisions often require detailed forensic examinations before roads can safely reopen, particularly when investigators need to establish the sequence of events leading up to the impact.
National Highways has continued to encourage drivers to avoid the affected section of the A46 where possible, allow additional travel time, and follow signed diversion routes until the closure is lifted. Commuters travelling between Leicester, the M1 motorway, and surrounding communities have been advised to monitor live traffic updates before setting out.
The A46 is one of the Midlands’ principal road links, connecting communities across Leicestershire and serving as an important route for commuters, freight traffic, and visitors. Closures on this stretch frequently result in widespread delays across neighbouring roads as traffic diverts through local towns and villages.
The collision remains under investigation by Leicestershire Police. Further information, including the circumstances surrounding the crash and the condition of those involved, is expected to be released once officers complete their initial inquiries.
Motorists are urged to continue exercising caution when travelling through the area and to follow instructions from emergency services while recovery work remains ongoing.