Story perspectives

A1 Closed After Multi-Vehicle Crash Near Morpeth-Alnwick

By Drooid · Oct 18, 2026, 10:22 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

National Highways Closes A1

UK National Highways closed the A1 between the A697 at Morpeth and the A1068 at Alnwick after a multi-vehicle collision.
Northumbria Police led the response to the crash reported at about 12:32.
Three people were taken to hospitals, two to Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary and one to Cramlington.
Traffic was diverted via the B6345 through Felton and West Thirston while investigators worked.

Summary

ChronicleLive Launches Campaign

ChronicleLive launched the “Dual the A1 and save lives” campaign demanding A1 dualling in Northumberland.
The campaign partners include local politicians, business leaders and community groups.
Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, called the crash heartbreaking and urged mayoral assistance.
Council officials will repeatedly raise the dualling campaign in upcoming meetings.
The initiative aims to prevent future collisions by converting the single-carriageway A1 to dual lanes.

History

Historical Context

The UK’s road-safety framework stems from early statutes such as the Motor Car Act 1903 and the Road Traffic Acts of 1960 and 1972, which introduced national casualty recording—4,886 deaths in 1926 alone. Those laws gave the government new safety powers, a legacy echoed today as Northumbria Police and Northumberland County Council push for dualling the A1 corridor.

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National Highways Closes A1

UK National Highways closed the A1 between the A697 at Morpeth and the A1068 at Alnwick after a multi-vehicle collision.
Northumbria Police led the response to the crash reported at about 12:32.
Three people were taken to hospitals, two to Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary and one to Cramlington.
Traffic was diverted via the B6345 through Felton and West Thirston while investigators worked.

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