Huge 'serious' crash closed major route for six hours
The road closure took place on the A66 in both directions between A592 (Redhills) and the B5288 (Motherby) for at around six hours.
A huge road closure was in place on a major UK road for more than six hours after a "serious" crash earlier today.
The A66 in Cumbria was shut in both direction between the A592 (Redhills) and the B5288 (Motherby) following the incident.
A collision is believed to have happened around 1.30pm this afternoon (April 20) and the road remained shut as police and emergency services attended.
According to Traffic England, all emergency services were on the scene. Major diversion were also put in place.
The Express has contacted Cumbria Police for more information.
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Road is now
National Highways said in a post on X that "the A66 between the A592 Redhills and the B5288 Motherby is now fully open."
The #A66 between the #A592 #Redhills and the B5288 #Motherby is now fully open
\u2014 National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) April 20, 2024
Thanks for being patient pic.twitter.com/Mf5Gkq0s6F
Photo shows traffic snarled up on diversion routes earlier
A photo taken earlier in the day shows heavy traffic clogging country lanes as diversion routes were put in place.
Police confirm it was a "serious road traffic collision"
In a statement Cumbria Police from the Eden area posted on Facebook at 5pm: "A66 Penrith to Keswick still CLOSED due to serious RTC, on scene assisting traffic colleagues with road closure traffic control."
National Highways diversion routes advice
Diversion Routes:
Eastbound:
Road users are advised to follow the "Hollow Diamond" diversion symbol on road signs
At the Crosthwaite Roundabout with the A591 take the exit for the A591 towards Bothel.
At the junction with the A595 turn right towards Carlisle.
Continue to the junction with the B5305 and turn right towards Penrith.
Follow the B5305 through Sebergham to M6 J41. Join the M6 southbound.
Exit at J40 of the M6 to re-join the A66.
Westbound:
Road users are advised to follow the "Solid Circle" diversion symbol on road signs
At the Rheged Roundabout with the A592 join the A66 eastbound towards the M6.
Join the M6 northbound.
Exit the M6 northbound at J41.
At the roundabout take the first exit on to the B5305.
Continue on the B5305 through Sebergham to the junction with the A595.
Turn left and follow the A595 towards Keswick.
At Bothel turn left on to the A591 towards Keswick.
Re-join the A66 at the Crosthwaite Roundabout.
Map shows A66 still closed around 7.30pm this evening
Traffic tracing maps on Google show a large section of the A66 west of Penrith still closed this evening.
Express.co.uk have contacted Cumbria Police for an update.
Police said on social media road likely to be closed for several hours
The Cumbria Police statement posted on X earlier read: "The A66 is closed in both directions due to a traffic collision
"The road is expected to be closed for a number of hours. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and take alternative routes."
\u2757 ROAD CLOSED - A66, Mungrisdale Junction \u2757
\u2014 Cumbria Police (@Cumbriapolice) April 20, 2024
The A66 is closed in both directions due to a traffic collision
The road is expected to be closed for a number of hours. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and take alternative routes. pic.twitter.com/vaZsbxjznb