POLICE have closed the A66 at Ravensworth in both directions.
Highways England says officers are dealing with a serious incident on the road and have been forced to shut the road this morning.
There is a queue of traffic estimated 3km long and motorists are being turned away at Scotch Corner. Police say they expect the road to be closed for some time.
A spokesman from Highways England said: “The A66 in North Yorkshire is closed both directions between the A1M and the A67 due to a serious collision involving two vehicles. Emergency services including North Yorkshire Police are in attendance. Traffic is being diverted via local routes at this time. Please allow extra travel time for your journey should you be heading in the area this morning.”
A spokesman from Barnard Caste Police said: “Traffic is currently at a stand still in both directions. If you are planning on travelling this route today, please use an alternative. This is also likely to cause congestion around Abbey Bridge and into Barnard Castle.”
