THE collapse of a gas main under a busy road caused knock-on traffic tailbacks at rush hour today (Wednesday, September 3).
Problems arose after the collapse led to a build up of gas under the A167 Park Road, in Chester-le-Street, at about 5.15pm yesterday (Tuesday September 2).
But the real motoring mayhem developed during the busy commuter rush hour this morning.
The entire stretch of the A167 from the Ropery Lane junction to the A1(M) interchange at junction 33, at Blind Lane.
As a result traffic on feeder roads built up in all directions in the Chester-le-Street area.
Durham Police said it understood the relevant agencies were looking into the problem, but added that there was no estimated time for the road re-opening.
The traffic problems were heightened by the return of the school run this week, following the six-week summer holiday, while cricket fans were warned to expect delays getting to the Emirates ground, at the Riverside, Chester-le-Street, for the final day of Durham’s County Championship cricket match, against Nottinghamshire.
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