MOTORISTS in Lowestoft faced diversions, delays and tailbacks this morning when maintenance work on the town's bascule bridge overrun.It was due to reopen at 6am after being closed at 10pm last night but it was still in the upright position as drivers headed for the crossing in the centre of town.

MOTORISTS in Lowestoft faced diversions, delays and tailbacks this morning when maintenance work on the town's bascule bridge overrun.

It was due to reopen at 6am after being closed at 10pm last night but it was still in the upright position as drivers headed for the crossing in the centre of town.

It meant vehicles had to divert round Oulton Broad which became chocked with traffic as the rush hour approached.

Work on the bridge had been carried out overnight Tuesday and Wednesday night but it had reopened on time the following mornings at 6am.

Officials said this morning that they were hoping to reopen the bridge as soon as possible and traffic was able to flow across it at 7.45am.