The A66 in County Durham has reopened after being closed for much of the day due to heavy snowfall.
The A66 was shut between the snow gates, Brough and Bowes, but reopened at 1.30pm.
Forecasts had indicated up to 12 centimetres of snow could fall, as well as winds of up to 60mph which presented a high risk of drifting snow and hazardous driving conditions.
National Highways teams on both sides of the Pennines spent the morning ploughing snow, as well as treating the carriageways with salt.
Conditions improved this afternoon, and with a forecast of higher road surface temperatures helping thaw snow, National Highways has reopened the A66 ahead of this evening’s peak travel period.
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National Highways has warned however that temperatures are set to drop again this evening. Salt spreading teams will continue to work throughout this spell of wintry weather.
The agency is also advising drivers to exercise extra caution when setting out on journeys across the regions’ motorways and major A roads.
Drivers are advised to check both weather and traffic conditions before setting out on journeys. Live traffic information is always available at www.trafficengland.com.
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