There have been long delays for drivers travelling north on the A1(M) and M1 this evening and tonight (Thursday) after a serious collision involving a car travelling in the wrong direction.
The road is now open again
National Highways Yorkshire was asking people to get back in their cars as pedestrians on the carriageway were causing issues in attempts to free trapped traffic at one point.
One person on Twitter said children were playing in the centeral reservation next to speeding traffic, on the southbound lanes, which were not shut.
People reported being stuck in their cars without food or water for hours.
The incident closed part of the road northbound between J43 (M1) and J44 (A64) at Aberford.
It was caused by a car travelling in the wrong direction which was involved in a head-on crash at around 3pm. One person was taken to hospital by air ambulance.
@HighwaysYORKS tweeted at 8;45pm (Thursday) and said:
All traffic caught within the closures of the #A1M between J42 and J44 and the #M1 between J47 and J48 has now been cleared.
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@HighwaysYORKS also said earlier:
“We must stress the importance of remaining in your vehicle if you’re caught within the closures.
“If you have left your vehicle, please return to it or you may delay the process of getting traffic moving again.
“Pedestrians in the carriageway can delay our efforts. We appreciate your continued patience”
Update at 7:45pm
“We are now no longer turning traffic around from the rear of the queues within the closures. All traffic is now passing the scene of the incident on the #A1M via the hard shoulder. Although this will speed up the process, it’ll still take time for everyone to get moving again.”
Update at 8:15pm
“Collision investigation works and recovery are now complete on the #A1M between J42 and J44. The road remains fully closed at this time, along with the #M1 north between J47 and J48 whilst clear-up works are ongoing. Trapped traffic continues to pass via the hard shoulder.”
Update at 8;40pm
“Traffic caught within the closures of the #A1M between J42 and J44 and the #M1 between J47 and J48 are now passing the scene of the incident via 3 lanes. Clear-up works are ongoing in lane 4. The roads remain closed to all other traffic at this time.”
At 9;35pm @HighwaysYORKS reported the scene was clear again