Key Points
- Drivers encountered “long delays” on the A10 Ely Road southbound in Cambridgeshire on Monday, January 26, 2026, following a crash reported around 7.20am.
- The incident blocked the road between A1123 Wilburton Road at Stretham and School Lane at Chittering.
- Details on the number of vehicles involved or injuries remain unknown at the time of initial reports.
- Traffic monitoring service Inrix confirmed: “Long delays cleared, earlier accident on A10 Ely Road Southbound between A1123 Wilburton Road (Stretham) and School Lane (Chittering)”.
- The road is now fully clear, with delays resolved.
- Cambridgeshire Police and East of England Ambulance Service were contacted for further details but no additional statements were immediately available.
Stretham (Cardiff Daily) January 26, 2026 – A crash on the A10 Ely Road southbound caused significant disruption for motorists in Cambridgeshire this morning, blocking the route between A1123 Wilburton Road at Stretham and School Lane at Chittering around 7.20am. Drivers faced “long delays” as reported by traffic service Inrix, though the road has since cleared completely. Authorities including Cambridgeshire Police and the East of England Ambulance Service have been approached for more information on the incident.
- Key Points
- What Caused the Delays on A10 Ely Road?
- When Did the A10 Crash Happen?
- Is the A10 Road Clear Now?
- Were There Any Injuries in the Crash?
- What Did Inrix Report About the Incident?
- Has Cambridgeshire Police Responded?
- What Is the East of England Ambulance Service’s Involvement?
- Why Is the A10 prone to Crashes?
- How Does This Compare to Past A10 Crashes?
- What Should Drivers Do After the Clearance?
What Caused the Delays on A10 Ely Road?
The blockage stemmed from an accident that halted all southbound traffic on the A10 Ely Road. As per initial updates from traffic monitors, the crash occurred precisely between the A1123 Wilburton Road junction at Stretham and School Lane in Chittering. No specifics emerged on the vehicles involved or the severity, but the impact led to prolonged hold-ups during peak morning hours.
Inrix provided real-time alerts, stating: “Long delays cleared, earlier accident on A10 Ely Road Southbound between A1123 Wilburton Road (Stretham) and School Lane (Chittering)”. This confirmation marked the resolution, allowing traffic to flow normally once more.
When Did the A10 Crash Happen?
The incident unfolded at approximately 7.20am on Monday, January 26, 2026, catching commuters off guard on this key Cambridgeshire route. The timing, during rush hour, amplified the delays for those travelling southbound towards Ely.
Early reports from local traffic watchers highlighted the sudden blockage, with no prior warnings issued. By the time Inrix announced clearance, the morning peak had passed, minimising ongoing disruption.
Is the A10 Road Clear Now?
Yes, the A10 Ely Road southbound is fully clear following the earlier accident. Inrix explicitly noted: “Long delays cleared,” confirming normal traffic conditions resumed between Stretham and Chittering.
This swift resolution prevented prolonged closures, unlike previous incidents on the same stretch. Motorists no longer face hold-ups from this event, though vigilance remains advised.
Were There Any Injuries in the Crash?
It remains unknown whether anyone sustained injuries in the A10 crash, as initial reports did not specify. Cambridgeshire Police and the East of England Ambulance Service were contacted, but no confirmation on casualties has been released publicly.
In similar past events on the A10 near Stretham and Chittering, injuries have varied from minor to serious. For instance, as reported by BBC News in coverage of an August 2025 multi-vehicle collision on the same section, one man died at the scene while others required hospital treatment. However, no such details apply to today’s incident.
What Did Inrix Report About the Incident?
Traffic site Inrix delivered key updates, first warning of “long delays” due to the crash and later confirming clearance. Their precise statement read: “Long delays cleared, earlier accident on A10 Ely Road Southbound between A1123 Wilburton Road (Stretham) and School Lane (Chittering)”.
As a reliable source for live traffic data, Inrix’s reports helped drivers reroute promptly. Their monitoring ensured commuters received timely information on the evolving situation.
Has Cambridgeshire Police Responded?
Cambridgeshire Police have been contacted regarding the crash but had not issued a public statement by the time of reporting. Inquiries focused on vehicle numbers, injury status, and investigation details.
The force routinely handles A10 incidents in this area. For context, in a December 2025 sentencing covered by ITV News Anglia, Cambridgeshire Police investigated a fatal drug-driving crash between Stretham and Chittering, leading to a nine-year jail term for driver Adam Bates.
What Is the East of England Ambulance Service’s Involvement?
The East of England Ambulance Service was approached for information, particularly on any medical responses, but no updates were available initially.
In prior A10 crashes near Chittering, such as the August 2025 event reported by Hello Rayo, multiple ambulances and air ambulances attended, airlifting casualties to Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Today’s status awaits confirmation.
Why Is the A10 prone to Crashes?
The A10 between Stretham and Chittering has seen repeated incidents, contributing to its reputation for delays. Today’s blockage echoes patterns from 2025, including a head-on collision in January noted by BBC News, which closed the road for hours.
Factors like rural stretches, junctions, and morning traffic likely play roles. As per BBC coverage of an August 2025 fatal crash, erratic driving—such as a Jaguar “swerving all over the road”—triggered a four-vehicle pile-up involving a Mini Cooper, Seat, Jaguar, and lorry.
Prosecutor Marti Blair, as quoted in BBC reports from the December 2025 sentencing by Judge Philip Grey at Cambridge Crown Court, described how Susan Doherty called 999 about the Jaguar before the fatal impact that killed her husband William Doherty. Bates, 23, from Chatteris, admitted causing death by dangerous driving while impaired by unprescribed drugs.
How Does This Compare to Past A10 Crashes?
Recent history shows the A10’s vulnerability. On December 28, 2025, a two-car crash near Chittering killed two women from Northamptonshire—a 53-year-old Nissan Qashqai driver and her 47-year-old passenger—who died in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, as per BBC News on January 2, 2026. The 54-year-old BMW driver from Haddenham was bailed on charges including drug-driving.
Earlier, a January 14, 2025, two-vehicle crash between Littleport and Ely injured three and closed the road for hours. These underscore recurring safety concerns on this corridor.
What Should Drivers Do After the Clearance?
With the road now open, drivers should check live updates from Inrix or AA Roadwatch before travelling. Cambridgeshire Constabulary advises caution around Stretham and Chittering, known hotspots.
Local Facebook groups like Cambridgeshire Traffic and Travel noted the delays, urging alternatives. No ongoing restrictions apply today.
This incident, while resolved quickly, highlights the A10’s role as a vital yet challenging artery for Cambridgeshire commuters. Further police updates may clarify causes, ensuring lessons for road safety.
