DELAYS on the A19 Southbound are easing, according to Highways England, after a lorry involved in an accident was removed.

There were major problems on Wednesday morning after the Morrisons lorry collided with the central reservation barrier at the Tees Flyover.

The southbound carriageway was closed at A1046 Haverton Hill Road (Portrack Interchange) following the incident just before 5.30am.

The road has since reopened.

The Northern Echo:

The cars involved in the congestion on the A19

Seven mile tailbacks were reported with delays of 70 minutes from the scene of the incident to Ron Perry Services, north of Billingham, near Dalton Piercy.

Around 10am, a spokesman for Highways England tweeted: "#A19 S/B closure within #A1046 junction has been lifted, lorry recovered. All lanes now open. Delays are easing, thanks for your patience."

The road closure was affecting travel throughout Teesside this morning.

One person summed up the frustration for motorists: "Teesside is at a standstill. If you don't have to, don't bother!" 

A spokesman for Cleveland and Durham Road Policing Unit said: "A collision involving an articulated HGV caused delays this morning when the vehicle came to rest across both carriageways.

"Due to damage sustained it could not be moved immediately. Recovery was arranged and attended with the help of a police escort as they too became embroiled in the tailback of traffic."