Drivers involved in multi-vehicle crash on the Central Motorway in Newcastle escaped without serious injury.
The A167(M) was closed in both directions at the junction with Claremont Road after four vehicles heading south collided just after 5.30pm on Thursday.
It caused huge rush hour delays, with traffic backed up to the city centre.
Police, firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene after one vehicle hit the central reservation.
One of the vehicles was also reported to have overturned in the multi-car smash.
One person was taken to hospital by ambulance and it is believed they suffered a broken wrist.
Everybody else involved was not seriously injured, according to Northumbria Police.
A spokesperson for the force said: "Shortly after 5.30pm yesterday we received a report of a four vehicle collision on the Central Motorway southbound at Claremont Road.
"Officers and emergency services attended and the road was blocked in both directions for a short time.
"All vehicles were recovered and no one is believed to have sustained any serious injuries as a result."
The southbound carriageway remained closed until all of the vehicles were recovered and drivers were made to take a diversion.
