WORCESTER Bridge is now re-open after work to clear debris from the River Severn has been completed.

The work had seen the bridge closed eastbound and down to one lane westbound since 9.30am, but after more than five hours the cones have been removed and traffic is moving freely.

The last of the debris was removed at around 2pm before workers undertook a final road sweep before it re-opened just before 3pm.

Traffic had caused heavy congestion in St John's, with one motorist descrbing the Worcester ward as being "cut off" from the city centre earlier this afternoon.

Worcestershire County Council's highways department 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."

Traffic had come to almost a complete standstill at lunchtime on Bromwich Road, while there are tailbacks along Hylton Road and Tybridge Street.

The closure has allowed the removal, via cranes, 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.