A SECTION of the A1 that was shut due to a crash this morning is now fully open to traffic.

The road was closed northbound between junction 50, Baldersby and junction 51, Leeming Bar due to an accident just before 5.45am.

Highways England have said that the carriageway has now been cleared and is reopened.

The authority thanked drivers for their patience after the incident caused major delays.

Following the accident earlier this morning, congestion backed up to junction 59.

All trapped traffic was cleared and the vehicle involved has been recovered, but the road is expected to be closed for at least another hour.

Highways England say the road will remain closed at junction 50 until all debris has been cleared from the carriageway.

A spokesperson earlier said: "A1(M) between junction 50, Ripon to junction 51 is now fully closed whilst North Yorkshire Police and our traffic officers deal with the collision that caused the shed load.

"North Yorkshire Police indicate that A1(M) northbound between junction 50 and 51 will remain closed until at least 7.15am.

"North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are also at the scene.

"A diversion is following hollow triangle symbol and using the A6055, rejoining at junction 51.

"Trapped traffic will be released using hardshoulder shortly."