The vehicle was involved in an accident at junction 19 on the southbound carriageway of the M1 at the Catthorpe Interchange at about 4.30am on Monday.

Police said the driver of the lorry was not injured.

The M1 southbound carriageway is closed at junction 19, while the A14 running beneath the M1 is shut in both directions.

Roads linking the M6 and the A14 were also closed.

The A14 is a major east-west route from the Midlands to the Port of Felixstowe.

Leicestershire Police advised drivers to "seek alternative routes and avoid the area where possible".

National Highways said the recovery of the lorry had been completed and "emergency barrier and road surface repairs" were now taking place.

There was congestion throughout the area as motorists looked for different routes.

Diversions have been put in place for drivers, who are facing delays of around 45 minutes and four miles of congestion on the M1.