LIVE: Long delays as part of Mancunian Way shut due to 'missing manhole cover' - latest updates

One of Manchester's busiest roads is gridlocked this morning with a section closed. Drivers are facing long delays on the Mancunian Way, with neighbouring city centre roads also suffering as a result.

The Mancunian Way is closed eastbound t the junction with the London Road slip road. The Manchester Evening News understands it is due to a missing manhole cover.

Bus operator Stagecoach is warning passengers to expect disruption on several of its services this morning (November 8). A company spokesperson posted on X: "Due to a partial closure of Mancunian Way, services are suffering delays averaging 28 minutes on the routes due to displaced traffic.

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"Sorry if this is affecting your journey with us today." Images from the scene show heavy traffic at the junction with Cambridge Street.

This is a live event. Follow the latest updates below.

The city council has just released a statement on the closure.

They say:

Due to a collapsed manhole frame and cover a section of the Mancunian Way, between Sackville Street and London Road (eastbound) has been temporarily closed to allow for emergency repairs.

Teams are on site now, with one lane remaining open pending the completion of the repairs, which could take an estimated 24 hours to complete. We would advise people where possible to avoid this road if they can, and we thank motorists in advance for their patience."

The city council have just said on their social media that the lane closure will remain in place for 24