Overview
- Cumbria Police closed the A66 between the A6 at Penrith and the A685 at Brough after a serious collision near Warcop, and the scene is being preserved for a detailed investigation.
- National Highways has put in signed eastbound and westbound diversion routes via the M6 (Tebay) and the A685 (Brough) and is managing traffic around the closure.
- Both diversion routes cross a low bridge with a maximum vehicle height of 14 ft 6 in, and drivers of over‑height vehicles are advised to use the A69 instead.
- National Highways warned the closure is expected to remain in place through the morning while investigators work and urged drivers to plan for delays, re-route or delay journeys, and check its regional X feed or the 24/7 contact centre for updates.
- The A66 is a key east–west corridor in northern England, so the closure is likely to cause long knock‑on delays for commuters, freight and local communities until the investigation and scene clearance are complete.