A CRUCIAL motorway used by 25,000 drivers per day has shut due to a “concern for safety incident” sparking huge delays.
The M18 in South Yorkshire has been closed southbound between junction 3 for Doncaster and junction 2 for the A1(M).
South Yorkshire Police said the closure was due to an “concern for safety incident”.
The force added that the motorway, which is approximately 26 miles long, will be “be closed for some time”.
Traffic caught within the closure was being turned around and backed onto junction three.
National Highways has issued a diversion route.
A National Highways spokesperson said: “The M18 in South Yorkshire is closed southbound between J3 (Doncaster) and J2 (A1M) due to an Police led incident.
“National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene providing assistance with traffic management.
“Road users are advised to follow the hollow triangle diversion symbol on road signs.
“If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.
“Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”
South Yorkshire Police said: “Please be aware that junction 2 – 3 southbound of the M18 is currently closed as officers and emergency services respond to a concern for safety incident.
“This is expected to be closed for some time, so we are advising the public to avoid the area and plan an alternative route.”
