LIVEUpdated 1 hour ago
Drivers were urged to avoid the area after a vehicle burst into flames
A vehicle fire is causing delays on the A55(Image: Traffic Wales)
The A55 was closed in both directions after a vehicle burst into flames. Traffic Wales warned drivers to expect long delays after the fire broke out on the eastbound carriageway at Rhuallt Hill.
Images from the scene showed thick smoke billowing from the burning vehicle. A Traffic Wales spokesperson initially said: “The road is now closed from J28 Waen due to a vehicle fire.
“Expect long delays if you’re travelling in the area.” They said emergency services were on the scene.
They confirmed at 11.25am that the road was closed in both directions, and urged drivers to avoid the area. The westbound carriageway then reopened, but the eastbound carriageway remained shut.
The road is now back open in both directions.
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Today14:41 BST
Long delays as repairs underway
This is the latest update from the Inrix traffic monitoring service at 2.37pm:
Long delays due to earlier lorry fire and earlier emergency repairs on A55 North Wales Expressway Eastbound from J28 B5429 (Rhuallt / Waen) to J29 (Pant-Y-Dulath). Congestion to A55 J27 / A525 (St Asaph) and routes through Dyserth as traffic heads away.
Today14:17 BST
Both lanes have reopened
Traffic Wales is reporting both lanes have now reopened:
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Today13:49 BST
Significant delays
There are still significant delays on the A55 as a result of the vehicle fire. Long queues are also building up around St Asaph, as motorists look to avoid the closure.
Long queues remain on the A55 following a vehicle fire(Image: AA traffic)
Today13:08 BST
Latest on the traffic as eastbound remains closed
Here is the latest update on the traffic from the Inrix traffic monitoring service – as of 12.57pm:
A55 North Wales Expressway Eastbound closed, long delays due to earlier a lorry fire from J28 B5429 (Rhuallt / Waen) to J29 (Pant-Y-Dulath). Congestion to A55 J27 / A525 (St Asaph) and routes through Dyserth and Tremeirchion as traffic heads away.Trapped traffic has all been released, eastbound remains closed as of 11:15.
Today12:34 BST
Latest on the traffic
This is the latest update from the Inrix traffic monitoring service at 12.25pm:
A55 North Wales Expressway Eastbound closed, long delays due to earlier a lorry fire from J28 B5429 (Rhuallt / Waen) to J29 (Pant-Y-Dulath). Congestion to A55 J27 / A525 (St Asaph) and routes through Dyserth and Tremeirchion as traffic heads away.Trapped traffic is now being released around 12:20, westbound reopened around 12:15, eastbound remains closed as of 11:15.
Today12:20 BST
A55 reopens westbound
Traffic Wales have confirmed the A55 is now back open westbound. The eastbound carriageway remains shut at this time.
Today12:15 BST
Major delays in both directions
As expected, the fire is causing major delays on the A55 in both directions. Here is a graphic showing the extent of disruption at the moment.
Major delays on the A55 due to a vehicle fire(Image: AA Traffic)
Today11:52 BST
Two fire engines at the scene
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed it has two fire engines currently dealing with the incident and was called at 10.51am today.
Today11:41 BST
Police statement on the A55 fire
North Wales Police has released this statement on the A55 fire at Rhuallt Hill:
Emergency services are currently in attendance of a vehicle fire on the A55 on the Eastbound carriageway.Please find alternative routes. Thanks for your patience and cooperation
Today11:33 BST
‘Trapped traffic remains in the closure’
Here is the latest update on the traffic from the Inrix traffic monitoring service – as of 11.31am:
A55 North Wales Expressway in both directions closed, queueing traffic due to vehicle fire from J28 B5429 (Rhuallt / Waen) to J29 (Pant-Y-Dulath). Congestion to A55 J27 / A525 (St Asaph).Camera shows the road closed eastbound around 11:15, westbound also now closed around 11:25, trapped traffic remains held in the closure, westbound traffic not helped by an earlier breakdown.
Today11:27 BST
A55 now shut in both directions
Traffic Wales is now reporting the vehicle fire at Rhuallt Hill has shut the A55 in both directions. Long queues are forming in the area:
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Today11:20 BST
Emergency services contacted
We have approached the emergency services for information and will let you know when they get back.
Today11:17 BST
Long delays reported both ways on A55
There are long delays both eastbound and westbound after a vehicle fire on the A55 at Rhuallt Hill, according to AA road maps:
Delays on the A55 eastbound and westbound after vehicle fire at Rhuallt Hill(Image: AA road maps)
Today11:12 BST
Vehicle fire causing major A55 delays
The eastbound carriageway has been closed after a vehicle fire at Rhuallt Hill. Motorists have been warned to expect long delays.
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Today11:10 BST
Signing in
Good morning. I’ll be bringing you live updates on this incident. Steve Bagnall.
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