Motorists in the North West of England are being warned of long delays along a major road following a "serious collision" which has prompted a police investigation.
National Highways has reported that the A66 in Cumbria is closed in both directions between the A596 (Workington) and the A595 (Bridgefoot) due to a serious collision.
Emergency services remain in attendance, including Cumbria Police, who continue to investigate the collision and manage the aftermath.
Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, National Highways: North-West provided the most recent update, saying that Cumbria Police investigations are ongoing.
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The A66 in Cumbria is expected to remain closed until this evening
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In a statement posted by Cumbria Police, it confirmed that a man in his 40s was pronounced deceased at the scene. It added that the one-vehicle collision, involving a red Volkswagen Golf, happened in the early hours of the morning.
Investigations are ongoing, with Cumbria Police confirming that the Stainburn bypass would remain closed while enquiries continue.
The National Highways live traffic map suggests that the event is expected to clear between 5.30pm and 5.45pm later today, with drivers hit with hours-long delays. It is expected that normal traffic conditions will also be expected at a similar time.
National Highways first noted the serious collision just after midnight, before continuing to provide updates throughout the night.
The organisation added that if the closure affects their planned route, drivers should allow for extra journey time.
With millions expected to be on the road to visit friends and family on Easter, motorists "may wish to re-route or even delay" their journeys.
Traffic officers have also outlined a diversion route for motorists in the area to follow.
Road users travelling eastbound are advised to follow the Solid Square diversion symbol on road signs
- Exit the A66 onto the Stainburn roundabout and take the first exit onto Stainburn Road
- Continue on Stainburn Road towards Bridgefoot
- At the Bridgefoot roundabout, take the first exit to re-join the A66 eastbound
Road users travelling westbound are advised to follow the Solid Triangle diversion symbol on road signs
- Exit the A66 onto the Bridgefoot roundabout and take the third exit onto Main Road
- Continue on Main Road towards Stainburn
- At the Stainburn Road roundabout, take the third exit to re-join the A66 westbound
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Traffic maps showing the closed A66
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Earlier today, Cumbria Police noted that its Road Safety camera vans would be operating on the A5086 between Cockermouth and Egremont, the A595 between Thornhill and Workington and the A66 west of Penrith.
GB News has contacted Cumbria Police for an update.
