M1 reopens after security alert caused 20km tailback

The M1 motorway in the North fully reopened at about 10.30am after a security alert caused a 20km tailback this morning.

During peak travelling hours a 10km section of the motorway into Belfast closed in both directions due to a securtity alert.

The Westlink was closed for several hours between junction two Stockman’s lane and junction six Lisburn. There was a tailback of Belfast-bound traffic to Lurgan, some 26km from Lisburn. There was also a tailback of out-bound traffic to Broadway Roundabout. Buses to Belfast, including Aircoach services from Dublin, were also delayed due to the alert.

“The M1 motorway has fully reopened in both directions following the earlier security alert,” TrafficwatchNI said shortly after 10.30am. After the road reopened it was busy on the Lisburn Road from Stockmans Lane heading into Belfast and Andersonstown Rd towards Kennedy Way, it said