Major delays after truck strikes pedestrian

Southbound traffic is closed on Maitland Rd Photo: NSW Traffic

A man has been rushed to hospital after being struck by a truck on the outskirts of Newcastle this morning.

Emergency services were called to Maitland Road in Sandgate, near the Wallsend Road intersection, around 9am.

Initial reports to emergency services about the incident indicated that a man had been struck by a truck.

Emergency services are on scene after a man was reportadly struck by a trcuk in Sandgate. Photo: Facebook

An Ambulance NSW spokesperson confirmed a man was being treated by paramedics.

The spokesperson said the patient was being transported to John Hunter hospital in a critical condition.

No more details were immediately available.

Southbound lanes were closed on Maitland Road, with motorists forced to divert onto the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to avoid the area.

Traffic was heavy in the area, prompting police to urge motorists to allow extra travel time through the congested area.

Drivers are also urged to follow the directions of emergency services and traffic crews are on site.

More to come.