A HGV went up in flames on the A1231 during Tuesday morning's rush-hour.
The lorry fire caused long delays for motorists while emergency services extinguished the blaze and cleared the scene.
Luckily, it is believed the driver escaped without any injury.
The incident occurred on the A1231 Sunderland Highway eastbound just before the A19 turn off.
A spokeswoman for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called at 7.44am and sent three engines from Washington, Birtley and Marley Park.
"The driver's cab was alight.
"We were requested by police to attend and they closed the road to traffic.
"The cab was 75% severely damaged by the fire and 100% severely damaged by the smoke.
"We left the scene at 8.05am."
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "At about 7.45am, police received a report of a lorry on fire on the Sunderland Highway near the roundabout with the A19.
"Two lanes were closed whilst emergency services worked but the third remained open.
"The fire has been extinguished and the vehicle uplifted.
"Both have since been reopened."
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