ROADS through Widnes were gridlocked this morning as a major access to the Runcorn bridge was closed.

Victoria Road - shut all weekend for a Mersey Gateway viaduct to be installed at the new Widnes Loops junction - remains closed because of a gas leak.

Traffic is still queuing on roads leading to the bridge from Widnes.

The road is expected to remain closed all day - until the rush hour when temporary traffic lights are expected to be installed.

A Mersey Gateway Project spokesman said: “There has been a gas leak in the area which is why the road is still closed.

“National Grid have been on site all night and are working to fix the issue.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.”

A National Grid spokesman said: “Unfortunately, a 12-inch gas main was damaged during the viaduct works over the weekend.

“We are repairing the gas main at the moment.

“The road closure has been extended but we should be in a position to lift the road closure by rush hour this evening and install temporary traffic lights instead.

“We should have a better idea later today about how long it will take to complete the repairs and reinstate the road.”