The A66 has reopened after heavy snow forced its closure as a precaution earlier today.
Forecasts had indicated 8cm to 12cm of snow, combined with strong winds of up to 60mph, presenting a high risk of drifting snow and hazardous driving conditions.
National Highways said its teams on both sides of the Pennines spent the morning ploughing and blowing snow and treating the carriageways with salt – and the snow gates, between Brough and Bowes, were reopened at 1.30pm.
Improved conditions this afternoon along with a forecast of higher road surface temperatures assisting a thaw of snow has allowed National Highways to reopen the A66 ahead of this evening’s peak travel period.
Overnight temperatures are set to fall again and while National Highways salt spreading teams will continue to be out and about around the clock during the current spell of wintry weather, drivers are being advised to exercise extra caution when setting out on journeys.
