The lorry ran into trouble between junctions 20 and 21 yesterday afternoon after crossing from one carriageway to the other.

Area contractor A-one+ was quickly on the scene to remove the gravel and to repair 3 lanes damaged by spilt oil and surface gouging.

The Halcrow, Colas and Costian consortium also had to undertake extensive repairs to the damaged central reservation barrier.

Martin Fellows, Highways Agency East Midlands divisional director, said: “We worked as quickly as we could to reopen as many lanes as possible to keep traffic moving, even though extensive recovery and repair work had to be undertaken to make the motorway safe to be fully reopened.

“I’d like to thank drivers for their patience and co-operation while this essential emergency work was completed.”