MOTORISTS are being urged to use alternative routes after a serious crash forced the closure of a road.

The A66 has been closed in both directions between the A595 (north) and the A5086 near Cockermouth.

All emergency services are working at the scene in a response being led by Cumbria police.

Highways Agency bosses said the road is likely to remain closed through the day for collision investigation work at the scene.

A diversion route using local routes has been installed by contractors to send traffic through Cockermouth.

There is a strategic diversion route available and details are below, please note this route is approximately 16 miles in length.

For more information visit our website at www.trafficengland.com, our travel apps'. or call our 24 / 7 Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000.

A Strategic diversion route for the Eastbound closure is available with drivers advised to follow the "Hollow Square" symbol.

Take the A595 Carlisle exit from A66/A595 Fitz roundabout, heading towards Carlisle.

At the A595/A594 roundabout continue on the A595.

At Bothel turn right on the A591 to Keswick.

Follow the A591 to Crosthwaite Roundabout, Keswick and rejoin the A66 eastbound.

For the eastbound diversion , please follow: For the eastbound diversion , please follow: A Strategic diversion route for the Westbound closure is available with drivers advised to follow the "Hollow Triangle" symbol.

Take the A591 exit from Crosthwait Roundabout towards Carlisle.

At Bothel, turn left and follow the A595 southwest towards Cockermouth.

Rejoin the A66 at the A66/A595 Fitz Roundabout.

A Strategic diversion route for the Westbound closure is available with drivers advised to follow the "Hollow Triangle" symbol. 

Take the A591 exit from Crosthwait Roundabout towards Carlisle. 

At Bothel, turn left and follow the A595 southwest towards Cockermouth. 

Rejoin the A66 at the A66/A595 Fitz Roundabout.