A MAJOR motorway has been closed in both directions after a "serious" crash involving four police cars.
The A1 was closed between J73 (Swalwell) and J75 (Denton) after a multi-vehicle smash just before 2.30am today.
Northumbria Police are on the scene as the investigation into the early hours collision continues.
Major delays are expected this morning during rush hour as motorists navigate the fallout.
Drivers can expect to be stuck in delays of up to 45 minutes, said National HIghways.
There is currently four miles of congestion northbound and one mile of congestion southbound.
National Highways Traffic officers are assisting with traffic management with diversions in place.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "Shortly before 2:30am today (Wednesday) we received a report of a multi-vehicle collision on the A1 northbound near the Derwent Haugh Road junction, Gateshead.
"Emergency services are currently in attendance.
"A section of the road is closed in both directions – there are diversions in place from the Derwent Haugh Road junction northbound, and the A69 roundabout southbound."