Drivers are being urged to avoid a major main road in Cumbria after a serious collision involving a lorry that fell into an embankment on the side of the road.
National Highways: North-West has warned that the A66 in Cumbria is closed in both directions between the A591 at Keswick and the A5091 (Troutbeck).
It was reported that there was a “significant” fuel spillage on the road surface as the lorry skidded off the carriageway.
A collision occurred in which the tanker overturned and left the road, as evidenced by images shared by National Highways: North-West on social media.
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National Highways reported that extensive repair and clean-up works would need to take place
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The road has remained closed for the last 24 hours as traffic officers deal with a complex recovery and clean up operation.
Cumbria Police, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service and the Environment Agency have all been at the scene alongside National Highways area team crews.
The latest statement from Highways England said: “Recovery has been protracted due to the complicated nature as a result of the location and a significant fuel spillage from the incident.
“Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and specialist recovery teams continue to work at [the] scene to lift the vehicle from the embankment, with additional resources en route.”
Further details suggested that the complex repair and resurfacing operation will take place over the next 24 hours, potentially causing havoc for motorists heading back to work or school tomorrow morning.
Stagecoach Cumbria has also released a statement on social media, stating that the A66 closure has caused “substantial disruption” to the X4 and X5 bus services.
Traffic maps from National Highways show a significant portion of the A66 closed, with drivers required to take a long diversion route to continue their journeys.
The vehicle has since been recovered by traffic officers, although there is no update on the driver’s condition.
Road users are advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol on eastbound road signs
- Exit the A66 onto the A591 northbound to Bothel
- Turn right onto the A595 towards Carlisle
- Turn right onto the B5305 to Penrith
- Follow the B5305 through Sebergham to M6 J41, Catterlen
- Join the M6 at J41 travelling southbound and rejoin the A66 at J40 (Skirsgill Interchange)
Road users travelling westbound are advised to follow the below route
- A road known locally as Burns.
- HGV traffic is advised to use the M6 J44 to Carlisle, then the A689 west and A595 towards Workington
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Traffic maps from the A66 show that the road remains closed
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Drivers in and around the area are encouraged to ensure they allow for extra time when travelling or even re-routing their journey to avoid the disruption.
