A major road in Cambridgeshire has reopened after a lorry shed its load of toxic chemical waste, in the form of a yellow powder, on Wednesday lunchtime.

Police reopened the road just before the morning rush hour, although there is some congestion.

Emergency services closed the road in both directions between Haddon and Wansford and advised residents to keep windows and doors closed.

Firefighters and the Environment Agency worked all night on a clean-up.

Also, some more details from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service:

19/11/08 - Just after 2pm this afternoon, fire control received a call from the police regarding a lorry that has overturned on the A1 Northbound adjacent to the Water Newton area of Peterborough.

The lorry was carrying toxic waste which has been shed over the central reservation. It is harmful if inhaled, absorbed or swallowed. Therefore the A1 has been closed in both directions.

Local residents are being asked to remain indoors, with their windows and doors closed, and motorists in the area are also being asked to keep their windows closed.

Members of the public should be aware this is a precautionary measure and should not be unduly worried.

As for the incident itself, there are no injuries as a result of the lorry shedding its load.

One crew from Stanground, one crew from Dogsthorpe, one crew from St Neots, a rescue vehicle from Dogsthorpe and a hazardous materials unit from St. Neots as well as Fire Service Hazardous Materials Officers are all at the scene.

A full assessment is taking place and the Environment Agency has been informed.

Further details will be released as they become available.