The southbound lanes of the M1 motorway were shut down last night from junction 33 near Rotherham to junction 32 at the M18 interchange for collision investigation work by South Yorkshire Police following a single vehicle crash. The closure caused significant traffic disruptions, compounded by another vehicle breakdown in the vicinity.
Inrix, a traffic information source, reported, “M1 Southbound closed, with long delays due to an accident from J33 A630 (Catcliffe / Sheffield / Rotherham) to J32 M18 (M18 interchange). One lane remains closed with traffic queues due to a broken down vehicle on M1 Southbound from J34 A631 Tinsley Viaduct (Meadowhall) to J33 A630 (Catcliffe / Sheffield / Rotherham).”
However, there is good news for commuters as the M1 has now reopened. The closure was lifted earlier than expected as South Yorkshire Police investigators concluded their work at the scene and recovery operations finished, allowing traffic flow to resume between junction 33 and junction 32 after the two incidents at junction 33 were resolved.
A spokesperson from National Highways confirmed the reopening in a social media update, stating, “Traffic is flowing freely. Safe travels this morning.”
Meanwhile, a previous crash affecting northbound traffic between junctions J19 and J20 has been cleared. National Highways announced that the carriageway will remain closed overnight for further investigations related to the earlier serious crash that occurred around 6 pm.
Road users have been advised to follow diversion signs, and the estimated reopening time is set for around 8 am on Wednesday, January 21, pending any changes. National Highways have activated diversion protocols in response to the crash and are working to clear the affected areas.
In a separate incident, a minor collision on the northbound lanes between junctions J19 and J20 is expected to be resolved soon, with National Highways preparing to reopen the closed lanes promptly.
The situation remains challenging for southbound commuters due to a collision on the M1 entry slip at junction J33, causing further lane closures. National Highways anticipates delays overnight and into rush hour due to the multiple incidents on the major roadway.
Emergency services, including Yorkshire Air Ambulance, responded to the crashes, with South Yorkshire Police continuing their investigation work at the scene. The series of accidents have led to traffic chaos on the M1, impacting motorists with delays and lane closures in both directions.