MOTORISTS travelling on the A1(M) are experiencing queues of up to 30 minutes after a serious collision earlier today (January 21) that saw a car leave the A177 flyover and crash on the A-road's Northbound carriageway.

The incident, which occured at around 10.50am this morning near to junction 61 (Bowburn), saw emergency services attend the scene.

Reports from emergency units say that the driver of the car managed to free themselves and the passenger had to be cut out by firefighters.

Read more: LIVE: Crash on A1(M) near Bowburn as car leaves flyover and one airlifted to hospital - live updates

One patient was taken by road to the University Hospital North Durham (UHND), and the second patient was flown to the Royal Victoria Infirmary Major Trauma Centre (RVI MTC).

The road in both directions still remains closed for emergency crews to survey the scene and investigate the factors of the collision.

This incident has led to traffic tailbacks for most drivers, with Durham Constabulary confirming that the A-road could be closed for some time. 

The Northern Echo: The A1(M) crash is also impacting other roads in the region, like the A167. Picture: RACHEL CONNER-HILL.The A1(M) crash is also impacting other roads in the region, like the A167. Picture: RACHEL CONNER-HILL.

Highways North East have revealed that they expect the normal level of traffic to remain after 6pm this evening, and traffic appears to still be slow moving for two junctions either side of the accident.

The agency have also estimated that congestion for vehicles stuck in the traffic build-up could be queuing for between 30 minutes and up to an hour and 15 minutes.

For more updates on the congestion and the crash, follow our live blog here.

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