Severe delays were caused after the the motorway was fully closed southbound between junction 63 at Chester-le-Street

Severe delays were caused after the the motorway was fully closed southbound between junction 63 at Chester-le-Street

19:14, 22 Dec 2025

Two people have been taken to hospital after a crash involving a motorcyclist closed a major North East route. Emergency services were called to the A1(M) in County Durham[1] on Monday afternoon following the crash.

The crash happened shortly before 5pm on the junction 62 exit slip road[2]. Severe delays were caused after the the motorway was fully closed southbound between junction 63 at Chester-le-Street and junction 62 at Carrville.

One lane of the northbound carriageway was closed between the two junctions.

Due to the lengthy delays that were caused, Durham Constabulary urged motorists to avoid the area and find alternative routes.

A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called to a road traffic incident on the A1 at Belmont, at 4.37pm on December 22. We dispatched two double crewed ambulances, a specialist paramedic, one vehicle from our Hazardous Area Response Team, a duty officer and we were supported by the medical response car from Great North Air Ambulance Service. Two patients were taken to University Hospital of North Durham."

National Highways said that the collision involved a motorcyclist and that traffic officers were assisting with traffic management.

A number of diversions have been put in place.

Road users are advised to follow the solid diamond symbol on road signs.

• Exit the A1(M) southbound at Junction 63.
• Join the A167 southbound and continue towards Chester-le-Street and Durham.
• Continue on the A167 to Thinford Roundabout (near Spennymoor).
• At Thinford Roundabout, turn left to join the A688 eastbound/northbound.
• Follow the A688 towards Bowburn.
• Rejoin the A1(M) southbound at Junction 61.

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References

1. ^ County Durham (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
2. ^ 5pm on the junction 62 exit slip road (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
3. ^ traffic and travel updates here (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
4. ^ sign up to receive it here (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
5. ^ join this WhatsApp community here (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)