Burst water main disrupts race traffic

Flooding caused by a burst water main has disrupted Great North Run traffic.

Northumbrian Water said there was a "heavy burst on a water main" at the grassed bank on the side of Askew Road in Gateshead, which saw water flood on to the roundabout near the A189 Redheugh Bridge.

Tens of thousands of people were making their way into Newcastle for the Great North Run, which sees runners take on a half marathon through Gateshead before ending in South Shields.

The actual route is not disrupted, but there were closures on parts of the A184 in Gateshead and diversions in place.

Askew Road is closed in both directions between the centre of Gateshead and the Redheugh Bridge.

Traffic from the town centre along the A184 West Central Route is being diverted through the Adelaide Estate, Gateshead Council said.

The A189 southbound exit slip onto Askew Road is also closed, with traffic diverted via the Redheugh Bridge South Approach.

Village Heights was closed "to keep pedestrians safe and to allow repairs to take place", Northumbrian Water said.

The water company added there had been a "considerable amount" of flooding on the road.

In an update just before midday, it said the water main had been isolated and a clean-up operation was under way with the council.

"Due to the flooding caused by the burst, and the amount of debris pulled from the bank, this is a difficult operation," a spokesperson said.

"We are aware that due to the Great North Run taking place today, traffic is expected to be very heavy in the area, so we would advise that people please be aware of this when planning any routes."

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