https://i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article3622734.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/2_AM_BRI_09_12_19_traffic_M32_02jpeg.jpg
Motorists faced considerable delays on the M32 outbound this morning (December 9)(Image: Dave Betts/Bristol Live)

Heavy traffic faced motorists in Bristol this morning - this was why

Emergency roadworks were party to blame

by

Motorists endured severe rush hour delays in Bristol today (December 9).

Two lanes were shut on the M32 northbound between Junction 3 (St Pauls) and Junction 2 (Eastville) while emergency pothole repairs were carried out.

Traffic was reduced to a standstill, according to an eyewitness, with queues stretching back to the city centre near Cabot Circus.

https://i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article3622742.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/2_AM_BRI_09_12_19_traffic_M32_03jpeg.jpg
Slow-going for traffic on the M32 northbound(Image: Dave Betts/Bristol Live)

The lanes had re-opened by 8.10am, but delays remained for another hour or so.

Repairs on the same section of road took place on Saturday (December 7), with Highways England describing the task as "emergency pothole repair".

Elsewhere today, delays were also experienced on the A369 coming into Bristol with a lane closed at the turning for the Clifton Suspension Bridge at Bridge Road.

One motorist said: "I saw the lane closed on Sunday and so today I knew it was going to be bad so set off much earlier. The lane was still closed and traffic was backing up.

"I'm curious to know what it is for."

The lane closure was not listed under this week's scheduled roadworks by Bristol City Council.

You can click here to look back on the scenes as they unfolded.

For the latest news in and around Bristol, visit and bookmark Bristol Live's homepage.