The smash involved a BMW and a Mercedes on the northbound side of the road between the turn-off for the A690 and the A183 at Chester Road.
It is not known if anyone has been injured in the incident.
Two-car crash on A19 in Sunderland causes tailbacks
Drivers have faced delays following a crash on the A19 in Sunderland this morning.
By David Allison
Tuesday, 2nd April 2019, 9:24 am
Updated Tuesday, 2nd April 2019, 9:33 am