Sinkhole closes A1

MOTORISTS face delays today after a sinkhole appeared on one of Britain’s busiest roads.

An old mine shaft collapsed under the A1 in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, creating a crater 15ft wide by 9ft deep.

Motorists alerted police on Saturday just before noon, as the sinkhole started to appear on the northbound carriageway between junctions 67 and 68 near Lobley Hill.

It was being filled with concrete overnight.

Highways England said last night: “It will take significant time to complete this repair. Allow plenty of extra time for your journey.”

Motorists are being diverted through a trading estate to the A692 junction.