Fallen tree causes Durham traffic chaos (From The Northern Echo)
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Fallen tree causes Durham traffic chaos
10:08am Thursday 31st January 2013 in News
The 100ft tree came down on the A177 shortly before 7am leading to gridlock as commuters looked for alternative routes
A FALLEN tree has caused traffic chaos for commuters heading to Durham City this morning.
The 100ft tree came down shortly before 7am, completely blocking the A177 route into the city, near East Durham College’s Houghall Campus.
The driver of a Citroen van had a narrow escape when the falling trunk crashed down onto his vehicle, leaving the male motorist shocked, but unhurt.
With vehicles backing up from the scene, the accident led to gridlock across the city as commuters looked for alternative routes.
The A690 was at a virtual standstill from the city centre up to the Carrville, while police reported two-mile tailbacks on the A1(M) northbound carriageway.
Highways staff from Durham County Council are at the scene trying to remove the tree, but drivers are warned that it could take until mid-morning to clear the road.
It is believed that the tree, which stood on Durham University-owned land, was brought down by a landslip.
