Van blaze leads to rush hour closure of A1(M) in both directions

The Highways Agency has said a van blaze led to the closure of the A1(M) in both directions.

Just before 6pm on Monday, March 16, it said access was closed off to traffic between junction 61 at Spennymoor and junction 60, at Bradbury to Bowburn, which takes traffic to Hartlepool in the wake of the blaze.

Traffic came to a standstill on the A1(M) following the incident. | JPIMedia

placeholder image — Traffic came to a standstill on the A1(M) following the incident. | JPIMedia

Diversions are in place.

It has issued an update by 6.20pm saying that traffic was flowing, but one lane remained closed while the blaze was being dealt with.

It has said Durham Constabulary’s road policing unit is on the scene, with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service also alerted to the incident.

Durham Constabulary posted on its Facebook page: “It is not known how long this closure will be in place, so please ensure you use alternative routes where possible.”

The road was fully reopen by 7pm but with some delays, according to the Highways Agency.