Hello, and welcome to our traffic and travel blog for Saturday, January 6, 2018.
We will be bringing you regular updates throughout the rush-hour of any incidents on the roads to be aware of, as well as some of the stories from around the region.
We have pictures, video, tweets and comments covering the latest Newcastle and North East traffic updates and weather forecasts.
It’s Hannah Graham here and I’ll be keeping you updated on what’s going on across the North East including the latest on the roads for the weekend.
If you would like to get in touch with us today about any breaking news, here are my details:
Phone: 0191 201 6109
Email: hannah.graham@trinitymirror.com
Twitter: @HannahGraham21
Heavy traffic in Swalwell
There’s heavy traffic on A694 Derwenthaugh Road at Hexham Road / Shibdon Road Roundabout.
Benitez 'realistic' about FA Cup chances
In sports news, with NUFC’s first FA clash approaching, Rafa Benitez has insisted he does want to win the FA Cup one day but has to be “realistic” this season.
The Spaniard stresses he will play a “strong team” against League Two Luton Town in the third-round tie at St James’ Park today, but warned that the “massive problems” which United face in their battle for survival will dictate how seriously he takes the Cup this term.
Newcastle have never progressed past the fourth round during Mike Ashley’s near-11-year ownership of the club and, though Benitez is targeting a victory over Luton, he accepts that he cannot prioritise the Cup over the league.
Busy at the Felling Bypass
Eastbound traffic on the Felling bypass is “busy but moving” from A167 Gateshead Highway to A185 Shields Road (Heworth Roundabout).
Extra metro trains
Heading to see Newcastle face off against Luton Town?
There are extra Metros running - but bear in mind the service is often busy on match day.
Weekend weather
We’re in for a chilly weekend, but some Sunday sunshine is possible, according to the Met Office.
Forecasters predict today will feature sunny spells and scattered sleet and snow showers.
They say everywhere will feel cold with the brisk, gusty northeast wind and a maximum temperature of 6C.
Sunday will see patchy cloud initially, also perhaps isolated wintry showers, but will then become dry and largely sunny.
Traffic update
It’s all looking fairly clear on the roads so far this morning, though drivers should be aware that the currently broken traffic lights on the A19 at Moor Farm Roundabout (Spine Road / A1171 / B1505), near Cramlington, may cause issues.
I’ll be keeping an eye on the roads throughout the day - do let me know if you spot any issues.