MOTORISTS are urged to avoid a stretch of the A1 near Birtley which has been closed by police dealing with an ongoing incident.
Shortly after 2am this morning, Northumbria Police received a report of a concern for a man on a bridge over the A1 near the Birtley turn off.
Officers are understood to remain on scene and, due to safety concerns, have temporarily closed a section of the A1.
The A1 is currently diverting traffic traveling southbound at Coalhouse roundabout and northbound at Eighton Lodge.
Southbound traffic is being directed through Lamelsey to the A167 to then re-join the A1.
Northbound traffic is being directed either through Lamesley or via Durham Road.
Traffic reports suggest vehicles were queuing for a mile on the Western Bypass and that congestion stretches back almost to Juction68 Lobley Hill INterchange.
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