A66 Closed in Both Directions After Serious Crash Near Kirkby Thore

The A66 has been closed in both directions after a serious crash in Cumbria this morning, causing significant disruption on one of the region’s key transport routes.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 5am following reports of a collision involving a heavy goods vehicle near Kirkby Thore. Police, ambulance crews, and other response teams attended the incident shortly after the alarm was raised.

The road has been closed between the A6 at Penrith and the A685 at Brough while emergency services deal with the situation and carry out initial investigations. Authorities have also implemented traffic management measures, with vehicles being diverted onto surrounding local roads.

Motorists have been advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes, as long delays have built up in both directions. National Highways confirmed that the closure was necessary to allow emergency services to work safely at the scene and to support ongoing collision investigation work.

At this stage, no further details about those involved in the crash have been released. The severity of the collision means the road is expected to remain closed for some time while recovery and investigative work continue.

The A66 is a major east–west route across Cumbria and its closure is expected to have a widespread impact on traffic throughout the morning, particularly for commuters and freight traffic using the corridor. Drivers are being urged to follow official diversion routes and allow extra time for journeys until the road fully reopens. 

Got a news story or tip to share? Contact our editorial team by emailing news@lakelandpost.co.uk or call us directly on 0333 090 2080.