Lorry crash forces partial closure of North East motorway

Drivers using one of the region's busiest commuter routes have been warned to expect delays for the next couple of days as emergency repairs are carried out.

Newcastle City Council says the outside lane of each carriageway of the city's Central Motorway will be closed for around two days.

The essential work will allow repairs to be made to ropes and poles which were damaged when a lorry overturned between the Great North Road and Cow Hill early this morning.

"The city council apologises for any disruption this may make to people's journeys but the work is being done to ensure public safety," said a statement.