Traffic chaos: Snow and severe weather causes heavy delays and closures in North England

Posted by Admin January 5, 2025 Travel

Drivers across northern England have been warned of severe disruption today as heavy snowfall forces multiple major road closures.

The A66 trans-Pennine route has been shut in both directions between the A1M and M6, while the A628 Woodhead Pass is closed between Flouch and Hollingworth.

Further chaos has hit the A1 and A1M in Yorkshire, where multiple closures are in place following collisions involving heavy goods vehicles.

National Highways has warned that snow will continue to fall throughout Sunday, with Pennine routes expecting accumulations of 10-15cm and difficult driving conditions persisting across the region.

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Drivers have been warned to take extra care while travelling today

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

The A66 closure between the A1M (Junction 53) and M6 (Junction 40) is causing significant disruption to east-west travel across northern England.

Road users attempting to cross the Pennines are being advised to plan alternative routes due to the snow-related closure.

National Highways traffic officers are on scene managing the situation, but stated there is no immediate timeline for reopening.

The A628 Woodhead Pass has been completely closed between the A616 (Flouch) and A57 (Hollingworth) due to heavy snow. Drivers are being directed to use the M60, M62 and M1 as alternative routes.

Meanwhile, there are particular concerns about the A628, where forecasters warn of possible freezing rain through the afternoon.

The A1 in West Yorkshire is closed southbound between A639 (North Elmsall) and A1M (Doncaster) following a collision between a car and an HGV.

A separate incident has forced the closure of the A1M southbound between Junction 43 (M1) and Junction 42 (Lumby) due to another HGV collision.

Detailed diversion routes are in place for the A1 southbound closure with drivers urged to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol, exiting at Barnsdale Bar Junction onto the A639.

The route continues via Wrangbrook Lane to the A638, leading to the A1(M) Junction 38.

For the A1M closure between J43 and J42, motorists should follow the hollow square symbol and exit the M1 using Junction 47.

National Highways said: “If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”

Meanwhile the Met Office warned: “An unsettled afternoon to come across the country. Heavy rain, sleet and snow continuing, with weather warnings in place for many, including an amber warning for snow across parts of northern England.”

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Heavy snowfall has impacted various routes across the north of England

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

Drivers can find the latest travel information on the Traffic England website or by calling the National Highways 24/7 Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000.