Overview: M1 closed in both directions near Barnsley
A serious road traffic collision on the M1 in South Yorkshire has led to a full closure of the motorway in both directions between junction 36 (Tankersley) and junction 37 (Barnsley). Emergency services are at the scene, and National Highways has advised motorists to expect lengthy delays as recovery work commences.
What happened and where exactly
Early reports indicate that the incident occurred on the northbound and southbound carriageways within the stretch linking Tankersley and Barnsley. The crash is positioned between two major junctions, complicating traffic management and extending the disruption to surrounding routes. Details about the number of vehicles involved or any injuries have not been confirmed publicly at this stage, but emergency responders are prioritising safe extraction and securing the site.
Impact on travel and local traffic
With the M1 closed in both directions, drivers face significant delays and are urged to seek alternatives. The disruption is affecting long-distance commuters as well as motorists heading to destinations in Barnsley and the wider South Yorkshire area. Local routes such as the M62 or A1 corridors may experience increased congestion as drivers divert off the M1, while traffic on nearby roads around Tankersley and Barnsley could remain heavy while recovery work continues.
Advice for motorists
National Highways and police are coordinating to manage the scene. Motorists are advised to:
- Stay with official updates and follow directions from emergency services;
- Avoid the area if possible and plan an alternative route well in advance;
- Heed temporary traffic signals, diversions, and lane closures once the road reopens;
- Check live traffic feeds before setting out to anticipate further delays.
Expected timeline and recovery operations
Recovery and clearance depend on the severity of the collision and the safe removal of vehicles from the road. Local authorities have indicated that the closure will be in place for an extended period, during which urgent investigations and debris clearance will take place. A reopening will be announced by National Highways once the scene is safe and a recovery plan is in place, followed by staggered reintroduction of traffic as conditions permit.
Broader implications for the day
Beyond the immediate motorway closure, drivers might experience knock-on effects on nearby routes, public transport timetables, and business operations in the Barnsley and South Yorkshire region. Commuters should consider leaving earlier or delaying non-essential travel until authorities confirm that the M1 is clear in both directions.
Staying informed
The latest updates are typically provided by National Highways and local emergency services. For those checking live information, reliable sources include official traffic bulletins and regional transport news outlets. In fast-moving situations, information can change rapidly, so keeping a close watch on feeds is advisable.
Conclusion
The M1 closure in both directions between J36 and J37 represents a major disruption for travelers in South Yorkshire. As emergency services work to manage the scene, drivers should plan for substantial delays and use alternate routes where feasible. Updates will follow as more information becomes available about the recovery timeline and reopening of the motorway.
