(Image: Simone Walker)
Straw was left scattered across a North Yorkshire bypass this morning, causing major delays for drivers.
The incident happened at around 10.20am on the Guisborough Bypass roundabout, where a tractor lost several straw bales on the approach to Whitby Road.
The bales spilled across the carriageway and roundabout, leading to congestion in all directions as traffic came to a standstill and some drivers forced find alternative routes.
A local resident posted on social media what happened, shortly after reports of the incident spread.
He said: "Lots of large bales of hay on the road and a tractor driver looking stressed and scratching his head."
Traffic quickly backed up as far as Tocketts Mill, with disruption also reported on routes from Skelton and Yearby Bank Road.
Police attended the scene to help manage traffic while the road was cleared.
A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "We had several calls from around 10.15am reporting bales had fallen from a vehicle and they were obstructing the carriageway.
"Officers attended and the road was closed to allow safe removal of the load. It reopened by 10.50am."
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The knock-on effects were felt across the surrounding road network, with traffic from Redcar diverted towards Skelton, causing further congestion around Cemetery Corner.
By midday, the roundabout had largely been cleared and traffic was moving again, although some straw could still be seen on the roadside.
AA traffic maps continued to show slow-moving traffic in the area as recovery work continued, but most routes reopened to drivers before midday.