A1 northbound will be closed until at least 7pm

The Highways Agency is advising motorists that the northbound carriageway of the A1 trunk road in North Yorkshire is likely to remain closed until this evening as a result of an incident earlier this morning near Kirkby Fleetham.

The road has been closed since the early hours, with a diversion in operation between junctions 51 (Leeming Bar) and 58 (Burtree) of the A1(M) via the A684, A167 and A68.

The Highways Agency is working closely with North Yorkshire Police, who are leading the incident, and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to open the road as soon as possible.

Following the police investigation, emergency resurfacing will be necessary because of a corrosive spillage from one of the vehicles involved.

The road is likely to remain closed until at least 7pm. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if at all possible and make alternative travel arrangements.