Sunderland Highway closed eastbound after lorry overturns and spills rape seed oil
A major road was closed eastbound for several hours after a lorry overturned and caused an oil spill.
The A1231 Sunderland[1] Highway was shut between the B1288 and A182 on Wednesday morning at around 8.25am. The load was a container of rape seed oil[2] and the clean-up operation continues.
A clean-up crew has been at the scene throughout the day, with council bosses saying the road could reopen later today.
A spokesman for Sunderland City Council said: "A vehicle shed part of its load on the eastbound A1231 between the A182 and Albany Interchange at around 9am. (Wednesday 17 July) The load was a container of rape seed oil which spilled onto the highway and a clean-up operation is continuing.
"This section of the A1231 remains closed. Diversions are in place via the A182 Washington Highway and A195 Northumberland[3] Way.
"While closed until further notice, it is anticipated that the highway could re-open later today."
A Northumbria Police[4] spokesperson said: "At 8.25am today (Wednesday) we received a report of an oil spillage on the A1231 Sunderland Highway eastbound near The Galleries.
"Emergency services are at the scene. The road is currently closed and a diversion in place as a clear-up operation takes place."
References
- ^ Sunderland (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ load was a container of rape seed oil (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ Northumberland (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ Northumbria Police (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)