ALL lanes in the centre of Worcester are now open.

Worcestershire County Council's Highways team said they had removed all the traffic management measures this morning.

The lane closures on Worcester Bridge, New Road and Tybridge Street were in place to enable a quick response to any further river Severn flooding.

However, the closures appear to have led to gridlock in the city centre at lunchtime yesterday, with the traffic problems eventually stretching to Powick and St Peter's. 

First Worcester also said all buses were running an hour behind schedule due to the traffic. 

Drivers vented their frustration on our Facebook page.

Carol Mercer-Wilson said: "Well that is two hours of my life I wont get back! It's taken two hours to go from St John's to Warndon and back. Totally understand the flooding situation but why close the inside lanes going over the bridge? Surely keeping us away from the water it would make more sense to close the outer lanes? The whole of town is grid locked and the bypass is backed right up to junction 7 and St Peter's is blocked from the Norton Island right round to the Ketch Island."

Lucy Sharpe said: "Took about 90 minutes to do a 10 minute journey."

Jess Fowler said: "We gave up trying to get to town from St Johns. Absolutely ridiculous."

Andy Daniel said: "More useless planning/implementation from Worcs Highways. I can understand preparation but it's way over the top, most of the lanes should be open with cones nearby. The river is not going to rise another foot in 10 seconds is it?!"

However, Nikki Levente said: "I can't believe everyone is moaning. There is bad floods and worse to come. They wouldn't just shut lanes off if they weren't worried about the river levels. They can't stand there all day with cones ready to put out if it does rise. You think how busy these workers must be with all the flooding and road closures. Stop moaning, it is what it is and can't be helped."