M74 closed as icy conditions cause accidents A motorway was closed in both directions after a spate of minor accidents on the route in freezing conditions. Part of the M74 around Abington, South Lanarkshire, was shut this morning to allow gritters to treat the north and southbound carriageways. The road has since reopened, although traffic was moving slowly when the carriageways were first back up and running. The first incident happened at about 6.40am and involved a lorry and two cars, police said. Other incidents involving cars were also recorded on both carriageways but officers said there were no reports of serious injuries. Both carriageways had re-opened by mid-morning, Police Scotland confirmed.