BRIDGWATER has been facing gridlock this morning (Tuesday, January 24) as traffic has been hit with a double whammy of delays.

Not only has a one way system been put in place in Northern Bridgwater while long-term works on the Wylds Road junction take place, but a water pipe has burst on St John's Street.

The delays on the one-way system have been stretching back to J23 in Bridgwater. 

Travel Somerset tweeted a map showing where delays are likely and warned motorists to take more time for their journeys. 

A water pipe also burst on the A372 on St John's Street which has caused delays in the area, the road has been closed and Wessex Water say this will be in place until the end of the week.

Wessex Water have released a statement urging motorists to allow extra time for their journey while they fix the problem.

"Motorists planning to travel along the A372 St John Street in Bridgwater are advised to allow extra time for their journey," a spokesman said.

"Wessex Water is currently carrying out emergency work to repair a burst water main on St John Street and will be closing the road at midday today (24 January 2017)."

Wessex Water say customers’ water supplies have not been affected. 

The road is expected to be closed until the end of the week and a ‘like for like’ diversion will be in place during the duration of the work. 

A company spokesperson said: “The work will cause some traffic disruption and we advise motorists to follow the diversion route and allow extra time for their journeys today. 

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by our essential work and thank motorists and residents for their cooperation.”

EDF have also put out a statement this morning saying: "We are sorry for inconvenience caused. We expected the first day of works to be challenging as drivers get used to the changes - we had prepared propoerly and continue to optimise the set-up of the one way system.

"Today there have been problems outside of our control such as the burst water pipe which made rush hour in Bridgwater more difficult.

"We are working with the police and Somerset County Council monitoring the traffic flow through the works, and are manually controlling the traffic lights to ensure we keep traffic flowing.

"We're confident the temporary one-way system will work as we optimise the set-up and road users become more familiar with it."