HALF of Southampton was brought to a halt yesterday as contractors began pulling up manhole covers, close to another set of major roadworks.

The work on Millbrook Road began about 10.15am and continued all day, causing huge tailbacks between WestQuay and the Redbridge roundabout, where major roadworks have already been causing misery for drivers.

The traffic congestion was compounded by minor accidents.

A spokesman for the city council said: "The work on Millbrook Road was emergency reinstatement of manholes in the carriageway."