A series of crashes on the M1 motorway in South Yorkshire has caused major disruptions for commuters, with the southbound carriageway completely closed and long delays impacting the opposite direction.
The initial incident occurred just before 6:30 pm on Tuesday, January 20th, when a single-vehicle collision between junctions 33 (Rotherham) and 32 (M18) prompted a response from all emergency services, including the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The southbound carriageway was shut down as authorities investigated the scene.
As if the situation wasn’t chaotic enough, a second crash at the entry slip road for junction 33 further hampered traffic, closing an additional lane. To make matters worse, a third accident on the northbound M1, between junctions 19 and 20, has resulted in lane closures in the opposite direction.
National Highways has initiated its diversion protocol, advising motorists to follow the solid triangle diversion symbols on road signs. The southbound diversion route involves exiting the M1 at junction 33, taking the A630 (Sheffield Parkway) for approximately 3 miles, then turning left onto the A57 for around 6 miles before rejoining the M1 at junction 31.
According to the latest updates, the most serious closure, the single-vehicle crash on the southbound M1, is not expected to be cleared until around 6 am on Wednesday morning, significantly impacting the morning rush hour. The other incidents are also expected to cause disruptions throughout the night and into the early hours.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, allow extra time, and consider alternative routes if possible. The authorities are working to clear the scene and restore normal traffic flow as soon as possible.
