A19 reopens after 'substantial' oil spill causes 'horrendous' traffic

Traffic chaos after spillage on A19
-Credit: (Image: Terry Blackburn)


Police have reopened a stretch of the A19 following a 'substantial' oil spill.

It comes after drivers were asked to find alternative routes following a spillage on the A19 Northbound. One driver told Teesside Live traffic was "horrendous". Police, fire crews and National Highways workers attended the scene and closed the road from the A1027 Norton turnoff to A689 Hartlepool/Wynyard.

Traffic site Inrix, confirmed the spilled liquid was oil and said the incident caused queuing traffic. Cleveland Police asked drivers to avoid the area.

A spokesperson said: "Full road closure A19 NORTH from A1027 Norton turnoff to A689 Hartlepool/Wynyard. There is a liquid spillage on the carriageway and work's underway to remove it safely. @ClevelandFB and @HighwaysNEAST are also on scene. Please use alternative routes - thank you!"

A National Highways spokesperson added: "Following a substantial spillage The A19 northbound near Billingham has been closed to allow Durham Constabulary, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and National Highways personnel to work at scene."

The road has reopened.

Scene of spillage on A19
Scene of spillage on A19 -Credit:Terry Blackburn

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