A1(M) tunnel in Hertfordshire closed due to power cut

Image source, Google

Image caption, The Hatfield Tunnel on the A1(M) has been closed for safety reasons

A tunnel on the A1(M) was closed earlier in both directions due to a power failure.

The Hatfield Tunnel in Hertfordshire, between junctions three for St Albans and junction four for Hatfield, was shut on Monday morning for safety reasons, Highways England said.

The power cut meant safety features would not be able to operate in the event of an emergency.

Both carriageways reopened by 13:30 BST but roads in the area remain congested.

The A1(M) was closed northbound between junctions three and four, while the southbound carriageway was shut between junctions four and two for south Hatfield.

The tunnel was closed "as a precaution" because features such as smoke ventilation systems, cross tunnel doors and emergency lighting would not work if they were needed, Highways England said.

UK Power Networks says the closure was not connected to a power cut which happened at about 22:45 BST on Sunday in the Hatfield and St Albans area which affected several thousand properties.