A1(M) closure after crash near Ripon

Air ambulance attended the scene as the northbound A1(M) remained shut after a crash near Ripon.

A1(M) closure after serious crash traps cars

A serious crash on the A1(M) near junction 50 for Ripon just after 11pm led to a full overnight closure of both carriageways as emergency crews attended and an air ambulance was deployed. By morning, the northbound side remained closed for accident investigation, while the southbound carriageway had reopened around 4am, allowing some traffic to move again after drivers were trapped for more than five hours. North Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service attended the scene.

This incident shows how quickly a routine journey can become a lengthy disruption on a busy transport corridor. A single crash can ripple through the region, affecting commuters, local businesses and freight movements. It also highlights the pressure on emergency response networks when multiple agencies respond at once.

The recovery depends on clear, timely information and speed in reopening lanes. As roads return to normal, authorities will be judged on how effectively they keep the public informed about detours and expected delays.

Highlights

Officials say updates will continue as the investigation unfolds.