A MOTORIST was airlifted to hospital after a crash on the A1(M) this afternoon.
The accident, involving a Citroen Saxo, happened near junction 59, Darlington, at 2.45pm.
The driver suffered serious chest injuries and was flown to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.
It caused delays for drivers heading north and police had to close the road to make the area safe.
Police were expected to close the road for about an hour today following the crash.
A police spokesman said: "As a result, traffic heading north has been affected and the north bound carriageway is likely to be closed between junction 59 and 60.
"This will be carried out jointly be the police and the Highways Agency.
"The closure could last an hour and drivers are advised to find an alternative route."
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