Major A19 Road Closure in County Durham in North East England: A Travel Alert for Commuters Amid Serious Collision – What You Need to Know Now

Published on December 14, 2025

A major crash has led to a complete road closure on the A19 southbound in County Durham, affecting drivers in the area. The collision, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, December 14, 2025, has resulted in substantial delays and disruption for those traveling through the region. Authorities have confirmed that the closure, which stretches between the A179 Sheraton and A689 Wolviston junctions, will remain in place until at least mid‑afternoon, causing a ripple effect across nearby roads.

The crash, which happened just after midnight, involved a vehicle that left the carriageway, sparking a response from Durham Constabulary and National Highways contractors. The A19, one of the key arterial routes in the North East of England, is a crucial road for commuters, with traffic snarling in both directions, especially in the morning rush hour.

A19 Road Closure: Impact on Drivers and Commute

According to National Highways, the A19 southbound remains closed between the A179 Sheraton junction and the A689 Wolviston. Traffic is heavily congested, particularly between A181 Wingate and the closure, with delays of up to 45 minutes reported. The closure has caused approximately three miles of congestion, stranding many vehicles. For drivers looking to continue their journey south, National Highways has implemented a diversion route to help ease the impact of the blockage.

The official diversion route takes drivers off the southbound A19 at Sheraton, directing them through A179 eastbound, where they must navigate multiple roundabouts before rejoining the A689 toward Wolviston. Although it is estimated that traffic conditions will resume normalcy by 1 PM today, commuters are advised to plan ahead and expect delays if traveling through the area.

Safety Measures and Traffic Management

As the emergency teams work to clear the scene, National Highways is actively managing the situation to ensure the safety of motorists. A spokesperson for National Highways stated that authorities are on-site to assess the situation and are working in collaboration with local law enforcement to clear the road and begin traffic management once the crash scene is cleared.

The spokesperson also mentioned that drivers should stay alert to the situation and follow any updated road signs or signals that will direct them to safer routes. The hollow diamond diversion symbol will be clearly visible on local road signs for anyone needing to take the alternate route.

What Can Drivers Expect Now?

For those who have already been caught in the traffic delays, National Highways urges motorists to remain patient and follow local police instructions. With a three-mile backlog, the situation may take several more hours to resolve, especially with the added complications of a busy Sunday morning commute. However, the traffic management team has reassured the public that normal traffic conditions should resume between 1 PM and 1:15 PM, as the necessary clearing and investigation work comes to a conclusion.

Authorities have warned that the closure and ongoing traffic issues are likely to continue affecting the region’s roadways, particularly during the late morning. Drivers traveling along the A19 should be prepared for continued slow-moving traffic until the situation is fully cleared.

Advice for Commuters and Travelers

For commuters planning to use the A19 today, National Highways recommends leaving earlier than usual to account for potential delays. For those traveling toward the southbound route, taking the diversion will add extra time to their journey, so it is important to remain updated on real-time traffic reports and be flexible with travel plans.

Additionally, for longer-distance travelers heading toward the A689 Wolviston area, it may be worthwhile to check alternate routes or even reconsider travel times depending on the ongoing traffic situation.

Travelers are also advised to check for any updates from National Highways’ official website or Twitter feed to receive the latest information on the road’s status, as the situation evolves throughout the day.

Ongoing Investigation and Road Recovery

As the recovery process continues, Durham Constabulary remains at the scene, conducting a full investigation into the cause of the crash and ensuring the road is safe for re-opening. In a statement, Durham Police confirmed that they are investigating all possibilities, including the involvement of vehicle damage or driver error. They also assured the public that no further incidents have been reported in the immediate area.

Although normal road conditions are expected to resume by mid‑afternoon, drivers are urged to remain alert, follow signs, and exercise patience during this period of heavy congestion.

Conclusion: Stay Updated and Plan Your Journey

The A19 road closure has impacted County Durham’s traffic flow, particularly for those traveling along busy routes toward Wolviston and Sheraton. Authorities are working to resolve the situation, but delays are expected to persist throughout the morning. Drivers are encouraged to use diversion routes, plan for extended travel times, and keep an eye on official updates from National Highways for the latest news on when the road will be fully cleared.

As the situation develops, it is essential for travelers to stay informed and take precautions to avoid unnecessary delays. This incident serves as a reminder to always stay updated with live traffic information and plan ahead to ensure safe and timely journeys.