NATIONAL Highways is advising drivers that the A1(M) southbound is likely to remain closed between junction 59 and junction 58 until at least 10am following a lorry blaze.

The vehicle, which was transporting paper, caught fire at around 1.41am this morning.

While the initial fire was extinguished, the emergency services on the scene have had to deal with it reigniting several times.

Read more: LIVE: A1(M) closed in County Durham after lorry fire

Recovery of the lorry is expected to continue during peak traffic hours, and the damage to the road must also be assessed. Road users are advised that delays to journeys are likely and to plan accordingly.

Diversion details are as follows:

Follow the solid circle symbol from J59-J58. From J59 head west on the B6444 to Heighington and then the A6072 and A68 southbound to J58.

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