Updated: A1M reopens after crash which left some stuck in traffic for nearly five hours

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance was called out to a single vehicle collision which has closed the A1M in North Yorkshire today (Thursday).

It left the road closed southbound from Junction 49 Ripon Road (Thirsk / Dishforth) to Junction 48 A6055 (Boroughbridge) between 9am and 2.30pm.

All lanes have now reopened.

Shortly before midday, Highways England said: “Please be aware this incident is currently causing about four miles of congestion on the A1M southbound between J51 Leeming Bar and J49 Dishforth adding at least 30 minutes to normal journey times.”

North Yorkshire Police said the crash happened at 8.53am just before Junction 48.

A force spokesperson said: “The northbound carriageway between J48 and J49 was also closed for a time to allow the air ambulance to land, this section has now re-open.”

Shortly before 2.30pm, the police said the southbound carriageway had also reopened, adding: “There is a lot of heavy traffic to clear so please do still avoid the area if possible. Thank you for your patience whilst we dealt with this incident.”