A CRANE has caused delays by blocking traffic on a main Southampton road.

Harbour Parade was closed shortly after 7am and a diversion was put in place.

The major waterfront route was reopened by 9.05am.

Southampton City Council initially reported the crane had broken down but later said it was part of planned works.

A spokesman said at 10.50am: "The crane has been there for two days with a road closure in place so the initial blockage to the carriage way was planned. It drove away at 8.50am. The crane was on hire from Baldwins for Alfred McAlpine who are building Watermark West Quay."