Huge sinkhole on A1 causes major delays for drivers

Frustrated motorists face long delays that may continue into the next week after a huge sinkhole opened up on a major road.

Urgent repair work is needed on the A1 after a three metre deep sinkhole appeared on Saturday night under the carriageway.

The 'major artery' A1, which sees 90,000 vehicles use it every day, is now closed between junctions 67 and 68 on the western side of Newcastle and Gateshead.

Chief Superintendent Scott Hall of Northumbria Police said: "The A1 is a vital artery and we appreciate all the work Highways England is doing to keep traffic flowing as best as possible.

"We also have extra officers on duty, working hard to help manage the congestion and keep disruption to a minimum."

Road users are advised to leave extra time for travelling, and it is hoped that the road will reopen on Wednesday morning.