TRAFFIC is reportedly gridlocked in St John's due to road closures as debris is removed from the River Severn.

One motorist has told us traffic is gridlocked as far back as Powick island, while St John's has been "cut off" from the city centre.

Worcestershire County Council's highways department has tweeted: "We're getting reports from drivers that traffic is very slow around the St John's area of Worcester due to the bridge closure.

"Debris removal is going well so far but probably best to avoid congestion if you can."

The work has been causing congestion on the western side of the city since the bridge was closed eastbound and down to one lane westbound at around 9.30am.

Traffic has tailed back along Hylton Road and Tybridge Street with cranes being used to remove the debris.  

The bridge is closed eastbound (towards the city) and reduced to one lane westbound (towards St Johns).

The closure allows the removal of the large island of debris that has built up against the bridge following the flooding.

The work was originally scheduled for last Monday (November 4), but was postponed due to the change in river level making the operation unsafe.