A serious collision on the A19 in the Sunderland area closed both carriageways for several hours on Sunday morning, with the southbound side reopening just after 9am while the northbound remained shut.
Collision and initial closures
Emergency services were called to the A19 at around 3.30am on Sunday, November 15, after a crash between the junctions for the A690 Doxford Park and the A1018 Seaton. Both the northbound and southbound carriageways were initially closed to traffic.
Diversions were put in place, and drivers were advised to expect significant delays while the closures remained in force.
Police statements and reopening
Northumbria Police said: "We are currently at the scene of a collision on the A19 close to Sunderland. The northbound and southbound carriageways are both currently closed between the junctions for the A690 and the A1018. These closures are expected to be in place for a number of hours. Road users are advised to expect significant delays and plan accordingly."
A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said at 3.30am: "Due to a RTC the A19 is currently closed in both directions. The closures are in place from the junction of the A1018 Seaton northbound and closed from the junction with the A690 Doxford Park southbound. The closure is expected to be in place for a number of hours."
By 9.20am, National Highways reported that the southbound carriageway was open, but the northbound carriageway was still closed. Recovery services remained at the scene.
