MASSIVE traffic tailbacks were caused today when an overhead sign on the A19 was dislodged and fell onto the roadway.

Two vehicles were damaged by the falling debris near the A1027 Norton and Billingham turnoff on the northbound carriageway at about 11am.

A truck with a Hi-Hab crane on the rear knocked the gantry onto the road and the crane also came off and spilled hydraulic fluid across the carriageway.

No injuries to any motorists or passengers have been reported.

Queues on the stretch of road were believed to be longer than two miles.