COMMUTERS faced lengthy tailbacks as the A1 was closed for several hours after water spilled on to it from flooded fields, sparking safety concerns.

The Highways Agency said motorists had reported flooding on the dual-carriageway near Scotch Corner at 5am today and its officers closed the road shortly afterwards.

Diversions were put in place as a high volume pump was brought to the scene.

An agency spokeswoman said: "Lengthy delays continued to develop due to the volume of traffic and diversions."

The road was opened shortly after 9am.