MOTORISTS are facing total gridlock this morning after one of Southampton’s busiest bridges was shut.

Commuters trying to get into city from the Woolston side of town are facing massive delays as a result of the closure following the death of a man.

The bridge is expected to remain shut until at least 2pm while police carry out investigations.

Long queues are snaking along Patterson Hill, Pear Tree Avenue and into Woolston, with very little movement.

Portsmouth Road and Bridge Road are also at a standstill.

Southampton City Council Highways are advising that the clearest route into the city this morning is from the west via the M271, Redbridge and Millbrook Roads.

There are reports of slow moving inbound traffic along Bevois Valley Rd approaching St Marys Road and Dorset Street.

Delays are also expected along Maybray King Way and Bitterne Rd West – as well as the Northam Bridge, now the main crossing point over the Itchen.

Meanwhile all buses going through Itchen Bridge are diverted via the Northern Bridge.

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