Emergency repairs are underway to fix a gas leak with an entire road closed for the rest of the day.
Ponteland Road, in Heddon-on-the-Wall, remains closed today (November 21) while Northern Gas Works fixes the leak, with diversions in place for traffic.
Northern Gas Works (NGW) said it had hoped two-way traffic lights would be enough to allow the remedial works to happen - but that a full road closure is now the only option.
Read more: Police investigation launched after man dies in early morning North Tyneside car crash
“We have tried our best to undertake the repair without a road closure but unfortunately that option is no longer possible," said Michael Pratt, business operations manager at NGW.
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience customers may experience as a result, however this is essential repair work and the safety of our customers and engineers is our number one priority."
Mr Pratt said his team is working “flat out” to get the repairs finished as quickly as possible.
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