Motorists told to 'expect delays' due to A19 emergency bridge works at Sunderland

Motorists are facing lengthy delays due to emergency repair works on the A19.

Drivers in Sunderland are being advised that emergency bridge repair works are under way on the major route. Motorists have been experiencing lengthy delays since Tuesday morning due to the works.

Two lanes on the southbound carriageway are currently shut so that repair work can be carried out on the Hylton Bridge. The road is set to reopen later this afternoon.

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A statement from National Highways said: "Two out of three lanes of the southbound carriageway are shut between the A1231 and A183 for repair work to be carried out on the Hylton Bridge over the River Wear. Drivers in the area should expect congestion and delays, especially during peak times.

"The road will be reopened this afternoon before being fully closed from 8pm as part of ongoing resurfacing work on the same stretch of road. The repair work will be fully resolved during this full closure."

Traffic was briefly held and congestion has been backed up to the Testos Junction. There were 14 minute delays at one point.