By: Tees Traffic - Wednesday 23rd of January 2013.

MOTORISTS were faced with long delays after heavy snowfall on Sunday evening forced the closure of one of the most vital routes between North Yorkshire and Cumbria popular with truckers and commuters.

The A66 between the A1 at Scotch Corner and the M6 at Penrith isn't immune to periods of horrendous weather because of its altitude and location, isolated within the Pennines. Almost every winter snow drifts and poor visibility make the route impassible with conditions been described as "Dangerous" and "life threatening" by road users.

Late Sunday snow gates shut the carriageway with advance warning signs illuminated on approach to indicate drivers of the hazards ahead and offering them alternative routes.

As soon as the snow begins to lay the Highways Agency spearheads its operation to help clear the road. Spreading tons of rock salt mixed with grit and attaching massive ploughs to their fleet they eventually gain the upper hand and progress with the safe opening the road.

Shortly after 8am on Tuesday both Eastbound and Westbound snow gates were opened with the relief of motorists and local residents.