Drivers faced travel chaos near the Tyne Tunnel on Thursday morning after a lorry struck a Metro bridge on the A19.
The Metro between Wallsend and North Shields was suspended due to the incident while the structure can be checked by an engineer. Services have now relaunched but there are delays
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A large diesel spillage was also reported on the Southbound lane of the A19 causing large delays of around 25 minutes for motorists. Delays stretched down to the approach to the Tyne Tunnel with tail backs to the A191 Holystone junction
Fortunately, no one has been injured in the incident but emergency services remain at the scene dealing with the clean up. Bus disruption has also been reported due to the incident.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 8.20am, it was reported that a lorry had collided with the Metro bridge just before the Tyne Tunnel, southbound.
“No injuries have been reported and emergency services and partners remain at the scene.
“Traffic is currently moving slowly through the area and commuters are advised to seek an alternative route if possible.”
A spokesman for Tyne and Wear Metro said: We have suspended services between Wallsend and North Shields due a vehicle striking the A19 bridge. The structure needs to be checked by an engineer for damage before we can resume.
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