Travel update: major disruption on M1 and A1

There are long delays on the M1 between Junction 42 for the M6s and Junction 41 for the A650 at East Ardsley with queueing traffic on all surrounding roads following an earlier accident.

There is also congestion between Morley and Junction 28 of the M62.

A broken down vehicle is causing delays on the M1 southbound between junction 38 at Darton and Junction 37 Barnsley.

The M1 is also severely congested between Junction 33 for the A630 at Catcliffe and Junction 32 for the M18 with 10 miles of queueing traffic. All lanes are now open.

Two lanes are closed on the A1 southbound between Junction 41 of the M62 and Junction 40 of the A1 at Darrington causing severe delays

The A630 eastbound is congested between Sheffield Parkway and the Europa Link junction at Catcliffe,

The first phase of the Highways England smart motorway scheme between Junction 39 at Wakefield and junction 42 at Lofthouse became operational after the morning’s peak period.

The new smart motorway technology will monitor traffic levels and adjust speed limits on overhead electronic signs to keep traffic moving.

Roadworks on a five mile stretch of the M1 between Junctions 39 and 41 were lifted last week and an extra lane was opened up to traffic, replacing the hard shoulder.

Contractors are due to complete work on the final stretch between Junctions 41 and 42 early in the new year.

Infrared CCTV will also be used 24 hours a day to enable staff in the regional control centre near Wakefield to respond quickly to incidents, closing lanes using red ‘X’s on overhead signs if necessary.

Drivers will also be able to use emergency refuge areas if they break down.

How is your journey going?