A BROKEN down water tanker on the Wye Bridge-A40 junction in Monmouth caused gridlock on Thursday afternoon (March 13) for more than two hours.

The river crossing was impassable from just after midday, while the A40 westbound was closed from Whitchurch and eastbound also saw long queues, exacerbated by single lanes operating through the Gibraltar tunnels 500 yards south of the bridge.

People took to social media to voice their frustrations, Ken Breeze posting on Monmouthshire New Business Facebook page: “What a place to break down If you're heading in, or out of Wyesham the Wye bridge is closed. It's walk or cycle to town I'm afraid. All lanes Staunton, Symonds Yat and Whitebrook are gridlocked...”

With the 400-year-old Wye Bridge set to close overnight for 10 weeks from next month for resurfacing, Daryl Goodway added: “Unfortunate for the tanker driver. More reason to put to the powers that be to build another traffic bridge across the river.

“At least then it won't be a 10 / 15 mile diversion and the chaos that comes with it.”

“This demonstrates the lack of understanding by MCC over the needs of the residents of Wyesham. A new bridge is desperately needed. Imagine if this was a weekly occurrence!” said Peter Gee.

“It needs a new vehicle bridge instead of the proposed foot bridge!!” claimed Phillip Parkinson.

Kacey Willow posted: “The entire area at a standstill for one lorry – shows that the infrastructure is problematic! Poor driver though.”

Holly Doyle added: “Traffic is very snarled up through Whitebrook in both directions with people who haven't been able to get over the Wye Bridge and are aiming for Bigsweir Bridge instead.

“Drivers are attempting a filter system but it took me nearly 30 minutes to get through. Avoid it if you can!”

But Jo Robertson noted: “Avoid Whitebrook way. It me a hour and half to get through.”

The lorry, which suffered a broken drive shaft, had been cleared by 3pm.