A690 remains closed between Sunderland and Houghton over fears of snow collapse

A busy section of road remains closed this morning over safety concerns overhanging snow might collapse.

By The Newsroom

Published 5th Mar 2018, 06:27 BST

Updated 5th Mar 2018, 06:45 BST

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service tried to remove some of the snow on Saturday.

Sunderland City Council and Northumbria Police made the decision to close the side of the road which takes traffic from the A19 to Houghton at around noon on Friday.

On Saturday, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service used an aerial ladder platform to try and knock down some of the snow.

But the road is yet to reopen on the westbound carriageway, while the eastbound side remains accessible to traffic, with one lane closed off to traffic, causing queues backed up to Houghton.

Diversions are in place.

An inspection had been due to take place yesterday.

Burdon Lane, which had been closed from Burdon Road towards Ryhope, is now open again after the council spent yesterday clearing snow.