One person has been taken to hospital after a serious crash closed both sides of the A1(M) through County Durham today (Friday, May 31). 

Two cars crashed on the southbound carriageway just past 3am this morning, and the road is expected to remain shut for hours as police officers carry out crash investigation work. 

The ambulance service has said they took one person to hospital from the scene. 

Follow our live blog here for regular updates. 

Extensive diversions are in place, as miles of the carriageway remain closed.

National Highways has asked motorists to follow diversions marked with the diamond and triangle symbols to keep traffic flowing. 

Road users are advised to follow the solid diamond diversion symbol on southbound road signs:

  • Exit at junction 63
  • At the roundabout take the fourth exit onto the A167
  • Follow the A167 until the roundabout with the A688
  • Take the first exit off the roundabout onto the A688
  • Re-join the A1M at junction 61

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Traffic is being diverted locally from junction 62. However, road users can also exit at junction 61 following the solid triangle diversion symbol on northbound road signs:

  • Exit at junction 61
  • Take the first exit off the roundabout onto the A688
  • At the fourth roundabout, take the fourth exit onto the A167
  • Re-join the A1M at junction 63