THE Mersey Gateway has now reopened after damages to the bridge were discovered earlier in the week.

The damages relate to a section of the expansion joint on the southbound carriageway.

It was closed on Wednesday as a result, resulting in heavy traffic and congestion throughout both Runcorn and Widnes.

Today, Friday, repair work – which required specialist equipment and expertise – was carried out.

The lanes were reopened this afternoon.

A Facebook post on the Mersey Gateway Facebook page reads: “Traffic management on the southbound carriageway of the Mersey Gateway bridge has now been removed and all lanes are open to traffic.”