There’s heavy traffic on Kooragang Island this afternoon, with reports a train has derailed across the roadway.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area as traffic is banked over the Stockton Bridge westbound and back towards the Tourle Street Bridge eastbound.
Cormorant Road is closed in both directions with diversions in place. Traffic controllers are on scene to enforce.
Eastbound traffic is being diverted onto Egret and Teal Street.
Westbound traffic will be turned around at the roundabout to continue to Teal and Egret Street.
Newcastle Police say the operation is expected to take some hours and is likely to affect peak hour traffic.
An Australian Rail Track Corporation spokesperson has confirmed the derailment of the train.
“ARTC can confirm a wagon derailed at Cargills siding Kooragang Island, blocking Cormorant Road level crossing.
“Police have been advised and are directing traffic around the derailment.
“Timeframes for removal of the train are unknown at this stage although efforts will be made to minimise the disruption,” The spokesperson said.