The A19 in County Durham was closed in both directions earlier today following a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian, prompting police to erect a blue tent on the carriageway. Drivers were forced to travel on the wrong side of the road as officers managed the scene.
National Highways North East reported the closure, stating: 'Cleveland Police are currently on scene. National Highways Traffic Officers are dealing with traffic management.' The incident occurred near a flyover on the northbound side, with a blue tent set up on the carriageway.
Cleveland Police confirmed the road is expected to remain closed for some time. A spokesperson said: 'The A19 is currently closed in both directions between Portrack and the A139 at Billingham bottoms. The road is expected to remain closed for some time, following a report of a collision. Please use alternative routes.'
An unnamed driver described the scene: 'There was a blue tent up on the actual carriageway, just before the flyover. Police were turning people around on the road so they were having to drive on the wrong side of the road.'
The North East Ambulance Service confirmed paramedics were called just before 7am. A spokesperson said: 'We dispatched two paramedic ambulances, a doctor, a specialist paramedic and a clinical team leader to attend a collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle.'
National Highways North East has put a diversion in place and advised drivers to follow the specified route. Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.
