A major road near Newcastle has been closed for around 12 hours following a "serious" crash.

Emergency services were called to the A69, near Throckley, on Thursday evening (November 28) following reports of a collision on the westbound route. 

The road was closed in both directions by police - with motorists diverted through the Throckley Interchange, sparking lengthy queues and delays during rush hour.

The busy route remains closed - here's everything we know so far. 

What do we know? 

Police and paramedics were called to the A69 following a crash shortly after 11.30pm on Thursday evening. Both sides of the carriageway were closed. 

The Westbound route was reopened according to traffic site Inrix - however, it was later closed once again with diversions taking place via slip roads. 

The site said: "A69 both ways closed, queueing traffic due to a serious accident at A6085 Ponteland Road (Throckley Interchange). The westbound carriageway was reopened. Sensors and Trace data confirm road has been closed again both ways. Diversion: Via the slip roads"

Did the incident cause traffic? 

AA Traffic News was reporting queueing traffic along both sides of the carriageway earlier this morning as a result of the closure and diversions. 

Just before 8.30am, the site read: "Delays of seven minutes and delays increasing on A69 Westbound between B6528 Hawthorn Terrace and B6528. Average speed ten mph."

At the time of publication, there were still lengthy tailbacks on either side of the scene.

What don't we know? 

Northumbria Police has yet to confirm how many vehicles were involved in the crash. It is also not known whether anyone was injured or taken to hospital. 

We are awaiting more information regarding this from the authorities.

What have police said? 

Northumbria Police has confirmed that it remains at the scene.

A spokesperson said: "Shortly after 11.30pm yesterday (Thursday), we received a report of a collision on the A69 westbound at Throckley.

"Emergency services are currently in attendance at the scene. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes where possible.”

What have the ambulance service said?

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson added: "We were called to a road traffic incident at the junction of A69 and Ponteland Road shortly after 23:30 last night (Thursday 28 November).

"We dispatched a specialist paramedic, a duty officer and two double-crewed ambulances."


Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Click here.


When will the road reopen?

It is not yet known when the road will reopen. However, National Highways states that the incident is expected to clear between 5pm and 5.15pm. 

However, this time frame has been pushed back several times throughout the day- and may continue to be extended.