MOTORISTS faced gridlock on the M2 and A249 early today when the inside lane and the hard shoulder of the motorway were temporarily closed just before Junction 5 for Stockbury.

A Highways Agency bridge inspection unit had been carrying out routine work on the hard shoulder at the Mount Lane Viaduct on the London-bound carriageway. But at about 4.30am the unit broke down and because it was unable to be towed away, the inside was closed to allow the equipment to be retrieved.

The breakdown was caused when a long, mechanical arm from the unit, stretching out over the inside lane, become stuck and the operators had to liase with the manufacturers to try and find out how to rectify the situation.

All lanes were finally opened and the machinery removed at about 3.15pm. The breakdown caused delays for motorists throughout the morning and early afternoon.