A jack-knifed lorry has forced two lanes of traffic to shut just as the rush hour approaches.
Northumbria Police confirmed it has officers on the scene to redirect drivers away from the blockage on Chowdene Bank, between Sainsbury’s roundabout and Saltwell Road South, in Gateshead.
Police first received reports of the mishap at around 2.40pm today (October 11) and were quick to respond. The force is urging people to stay away from the area, saying: “Chowdene Bank from the Gold Medal has been closed, and motorists are asked to avoid the area at this time”.
Read more: Police release CCTV after woman is sexually assaulted in Gateshead town centre
There's diversions for bus services 29,93,94 and the S2.
A jack-knife occurs when a lorry with two separate parts folds in on itself, usually meaning the driver cab and trailer swivel at the linkage point and form a right-angle. It usually happens when the trailer loses traction as the driver begins to slow down.
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