Major travel disruption across North East as flooding closes A1 in both directions

Footage taken by Lucy Elliott shows the extent of flooding on the A1 at Newton Aycliffe

Heavy rain has brought flooding to areas across the North East and North Yorkshire - closing the A1 in both directions and causing major disruption for commuters.

National Highways was alerted to flooding between junctions 59 (Newton Aycliffe) and 60 (Sedgefield) at around 7am on Wednesday (9 October) and a full closure was put in place shortly after.

Contractors are on-site working to clear the drains to allow the water to subside as emergency services direct slow-moving traffic off the route.

Emergency services and contractors at the scene of the flood on the A1 on Wednesday. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees
Traffic stuck on the A1 after heavy rain caused flooding on both carriageways. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

There were reported delays of around 50 minutes on the southbound carriageway and 20 minutes on the northbound carriageway with congestion on the approach to both.

Vehicles stuck in the floodwater have now been recovered but the road remains shut.

Elsewhere in County Durham, the road was reportedly impassable due to flooding on the A68 West Auckland Road Northbound from A1(M) J58 Burtree (Burtree Gate) to Farmers Auction Market (West Park, Darlington).

Water and stranded vehicles have been cleared but the road remains shut. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees
Police were diverting traffic off the A1 at Newton Aycliffe. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

On South Tyneside, Northumbria Police were this morning warning people to seek alternative routes exiting and entering South Shields.

They posted: "Please note, there is currently a road closure in South Shields this morning due to flooding.

"The closure is in place in both directions on the A194 between the junctions with Hobson Way and Tyne Dock.

"We’re supporting our colleagues South Tyneside Council at the scene. We’d ask those travelling in the area to seek an alternative route and leave extra time for their journey."

A deserted A1 in County Durham.
A vehicle is recovered from floodwater on the A1. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

In Darlington, drone images show the extent of flooding - with vans, cars and buses captured trying to make their way through the water.

Flooding also caused disruption to train services.

Northern Rail said the line was blocked between Darlington and Bishop Auckland.

Shortly before midday the operator confirmed services were no longer affected.

Vehicles make their way through floodwater in Darlington

In South East Northumberland there were reported diversions off the A189 Spine Road on Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile on Tuesday evening, an MP warned that parts of Northumberland were experiencing “severe flooding” amid “extreme conditions”.

Blyth and Ashington MP Ian Lavery said his office had “taken numerous calls about the serious flooding” in south-east Northumberland.

In a post on social media, Northumberland county councillor Scott Dickinson said: “A number of roads have been closed in the Blyth area and NCC teams are at the scene, along with crews from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, Northern Powergrid and Northumbria Water.”

A car became submerged in floodwater in Blates Avenue in Blyth. Credit: Daniel Hennessy

Speaking to ITV Tyne Tees on Wednesday morning, Blyth resident Daniel Hennessy said flooding in Blates Avenue had been worse than he had ever known.

A car had become partially submerged in the floodwater in the street where emergency services attended and where homes now have sandbags outside the doors.

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