MOTORISTS have been warned to expect further delays on a busy North-East road today after part of it was closed for much of Wednesday following a coach crash.

A section of the A66 was closed throughout the day after a coach crashed into a barrier on the side of the road, causing long delays for morning commuters.

The driver, who was the only person on board the coach which was due to collect schoolchildren, was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough with leg injuries.

The Northern Echo:

Emergency services at the scene of the incident on the A66

The crash happened at around 7.50am, on the eastbound carriageway of the A66 in Middlesbrough between the A172 Marton Road and Borough Road.

Drivers caught up in the delays were asked to turn around by police, after debris from the crash was scattered across the carriageway.

Temporary barriers were being installed on Wednesday afternoon following the crash, but the nearside eastbound lane will remain closed to traffic until permanent repairs to the safety barrier have been carried out.

They are unlikely to be completed before lunchtime today, therefore Cleveland Police and Middlesbrough Council have warned delays are still likely around the affected area, and drivers are encouraged to consider alternative routes.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision involving a Volvo coach on Wednesday, April 25.

"The incident happened at around 7.50am on the A66 eastbound in Middlesbrough, at the slip road with the A172.

"The coach collided with a concrete barrier at the slip road of the A172.

"The 44-year-old female driver suffered multiple fractures to her leg and spine. She remains in James Cook University Hospital whilst receiving treatment."

  • Any witnesses are asked to contact PC Andrew Jobling from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Unit on 101, quoting event number 17252.