A RECOVERY operation on a lorry carrying a 57-tonne bridge took place on the A1 last night leading to road closures in both directions and this morning a five-vehicle crash is also causing delays.
The road shut at around 8pm between J50 at Melmerby and J51 at Leeming Bar and remained shut throughout the night, with partial closures into this morning.
Highways England described the vehicle recovery as "an extremely complex operation" needing a 120-tonne crane to lift the load onto another vehicle before being disassembled.
Highways England said the area was cleared by about 8am, but a crash at around 7.30am led to further disruption.
Two lanes were closed on the A1M between J52 and J51, because of the crash involving five vehicles.
The scene has now been cleared, Highways England said: "All lanes now open on the A1M southbound in North Yorkshire between J52 and J51, vehicles involved in traffic collision have been cleared.
"Delays now easing through this stretch, both this incident and the closure from J51 have now been cleared."
Motorists are still advised to avoid the scene and use the A19 instead if possible.
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