M1 Closed: Serious Crash Causes Massive Delays, Air Ambulance Called to Scene
The M1 motorway has been closed in both directions following a serious crash near Sheffield, causing significant delays and disruptions for commuters. The incident occurred between junctions 33 and 32, near the M18 Interchange, and involved multiple emergency services, including an air ambulance.
The crash, which happened between junctions 33 and 32, led to the closure of one carriageway, with delays extending to the opposite lane as the air ambulance was called to the scene. The collision, which occurred between the A630 and A631, caused chaos on the busy motorway, with traffic coming to a standstill. The breakdown of another vehicle on the same carriageway further exacerbated the situation.
According to an update from our traffic partner Inrix, 'M1 Southbound is closed, with long delays due to an accident from J33 A630 (Catcliffe / Sheffield / Rotherham) to J32 M18 (M18 Interchange). One lane is closed, and there are queueing traffic due to a broken-down vehicle on the M1 Southbound from J34 A631 Tinsley Viaduct (Meadowhall) to J33 A630 (Catcliffe / Sheffield / Rotherham).'
This incident is ongoing, and commuters are advised to stay tuned for further updates on our live blog.
02:23 KEY EVENT: M1 Reopens
Good news for commuters! The M1 has now reopened to traffic, despite initial indications suggesting that the closure would persist until rush hour. South Yorkshire Police investigators have completed their work, and recovery efforts have been finalized, bringing an end to the carriageway closure.
The M1 southbound between J33 (Rotherham) and J32 (M18) is now open, following the resolution of two crashes that occurred on the J33 slip lane and the motorway itself.
A National Highways spokesperson shared the update on social media, stating, 'Traffic is flowing freely. Safe travels this morning.'
An earlier crash affecting northbound commuters between junctions J19 and J20 has also been cleared.
02:07: Roadway to Reopen During Rush Hour
National Highways has confirmed that the carriageway will remain closed for the night, with an estimated reopening time of around 8 am on Wednesday, January 21. This may be subject to change.
00:01: Diversion Route for Southbound Commuters
National Highways has initiated diversion protocols for southbound commuters, advising road users to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol on road signs. The diversion route is as follows:
- Exit the M1 southbound at J33.
- Take the third exit at the roundabout onto the A630 (Sheffield Parkway).
- Continue along the A630 for approximately 3 miles to the junction with the A57.
- Turn left at the A57 junction and proceed for about 6 miles to the junction with the M1 J31.
- At the roundabout, take the third exit to rejoin the M1 south at J31.
23:56: Third Crash Causes Further Delays
For northbound commuters, a minor fender bender has resulted in lane closures for traffic in the opposite direction. According to National Highways data, two lanes are closed on the M1 northbound between junctions J19 and J20. The collision is expected to clear shortly, with the lanes set to reopen soon.
23:52: Second Crash Triggers Further Closures
A collision on the M1 southbound entry slip at junction J33 has led to additional closures for southbound commuters. The two J33 crashes are expected to impact traffic overnight and into rush hour, with National Highways reporting that the slip lane crash may not clear until around 6 am.
23:48: M1 Single-Vehicle Crash with Air Ambulance Involvement
The most severe closure occurred at approximately 6 pm on Tuesday, January 20, when the M1 in South Yorkshire was closed to southbound traffic between J33 (Rotherham) and J32 (M18) due to a single-vehicle collision. All emergency services, including the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, attended the scene.
South Yorkshire Police remain at the scene, conducting collision investigation work.
23:46: Three Crashes in Total
Traffic on the M1 has been severely impacted by three separate crashes, causing significant delays for motorists. The M1 in South Yorkshire was initially closed to southbound traffic between J33 (Rotherham) and J32 (M18) following a single-vehicle collision shortly before 6 pm.
A second collision at the entry slip for junction J33 further exacerbated the situation, closing a lane to already congested traffic. Adding to the chaos, a third accident on the M1's northbound lanes resulted in lane closures between junctions J19 and J20.
