Yes, this is a legitimate, unfolding traffic emergency in Northamptonshire.
A serious collision involving a car and a motorcycle has forced the complete closure of a major stretch of the A14 westbound carriageway, triggering widespread traffic gridlock and significant delays.
National Highways
What We Know So Far
The Incident: Emergency services were dispatched to the A14 westbound following a severe crash between a motorcycle and a car. The collision occurred at approximately 10:30 AM BST.
Yahoo News NZ
The Closure: The westbound lanes have been completely shut down between Junction 13 (Thrapston) and Junction 11 (Finedon/Cranford).
Yahoo News NZ
Emergency Presence: Personnel from Northamptonshire Police, National Highways, and the East Midlands Ambulance Service are actively working at the scene.
National Highways
Current Traffic Impact: As of Friday afternoon, National Highways reports significant delays on approach, with gridlocked queues stretching back roughly four miles (6.5 km) and adding at least 40 minutes to travel times. Officers have been systematically turning trapped traffic around. The road is expected to remain closed for several hours while collision investigators clear the scene.
Yahoo News NZ
National Highways Official Diversion Route
Motorists approaching Junction 13 are advised to completely avoid the area or follow the official westbound diversion symbol:
1
Exit at Junction 13
Thrapston
Leave the A14 westbound at the Junction 13 interchange and take the first exit onto the A605 westbound toward Raunds.
2
Follow the A605 to Chowns Mill
Approx. 6 miles
Continue south on the A605 through the roundabouts at Raunds until you reach the major A45 Chowns Mill Roundabout.
3
Take the A45 West
Toward Rushden/Wellingborough
At the Chowns Mill Roundabout, take the fourth exit onto the A45 westbound dual carriageway. Follow this past Rushden Lakes to the A45/A6 Wilby Way roundabout.
4
Transition to the A6 North
Toward Irthlingborough
At the Wilby Way roundabout, take the fourth exit onto the A6 northbound. Follow the A6 north, skirting past Irthlingborough and through Finedon.
5
Re-join the A14
Junction 10 / Burton Latimer
Continue along the A6 Burton Latimer Bypass up to the A14 Junction 10 Interchange, where you can safely re-join the A14 westbound.
