THE A690 at Langley Moor has reopened this morning after a burst water main caused major delays for motorists.

The water main burst in Langley Moor in the early hours of Friday morning, leading to the closure of the busy A690 road into the city. 

The burst caused significant damage to the road and caused major traffic queues, which spilled over onto alternative routes as drivers sought a way round the problem.

The Northern Echo:
Work underway to fix the burst water main at Langley Moor. Picture: Gavin Engelbrecht

The road was closed in both directions between the Railway Bridge and Stonebridge, with diversions in place along the B3600 and A167.

John Reed, Durham County Council’s head of technical services, said: “We were alerted that Durham Constabulary had closed a section of the A690 near the railway bridge this morning following the discovery of a burst water main.

“As some of the standing water was freezing, our highways staff assisted by spreading salt in the area.

“Northumbrian Water are on site repairing their water main and the road is not expected to re-open until the early hours of Monday morning.

“The A690 is only locally accessible either side of the closure to allow businesses and residents to access.

“There is a signed diversion route in place via the A167 and the B6300.”

Motorists can keep up to date on road closures through www.durham.gov.uk/article/1946/Unplanned-temporary-road-closures.”