Severe disruption is unfolding on the M1 motorway this morning after a heavy goods vehicle left the carriageway in a serious crash.
Scene of the Incident
The accident occurred on the M1 southbound at junction 35 for the A629 Cowley Hill in Rotherham. According to traffic monitoring system Inrix, all traffic was held following the incident, which brought vehicles to a standstill at 11am on Monday, 12 January 2026.
Road Closures and Traffic Impact
The closure affects the main southbound carriageway, with the entry slip road at junction 35 also shut. This has led to large queues building rapidly in the area, with drivers facing severe delays. Emergency services are currently on the scene dealing with the aftermath of the HGV crash.
National Highways and police have advised motorists to avoid the area entirely if possible while recovery and investigation work takes place. Significant congestion is expected to continue for several hours, with traffic being diverted via alternative routes.
Advice for Drivers
Drivers planning to use the M1 southbound through South Yorkshire are urged to check live traffic updates before setting out and allow considerable extra time for their journeys. Those already caught in the queues should expect lengthy delays.
The advice from authorities remains clear: find an alternative route and avoid the M1 southbound around junction 35 near Rotherham until the scene is fully cleared and the carriageway reopens.
