The A47 has now reopened to traffic after it was closed earlier today following the discovery of a body at the side of the carriageway.

Eastern Daily Press: Traffic backed up at Longwater. Picture: Levi James Lee ?@LJLee123Traffic backed up at Longwater. Picture: Levi James Lee ?@LJLee123 (Image: Archant)

Police said the body of a man, who is believed to be in his 40s and from the Norwich area, was found at around 4.30am today on the A47 near to the city.

They said it appeared to be a 'fail to stop collision' and his next of kin were being informed.

The body was discovered on the side of the carriageway about half a mile past the B1108 eastbound on the A47 this morning.

Officers are still trying to piece together what happened and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Eastern Daily Press: Traffic on the A47. Picture: Levi James Lee @LJLee123Traffic on the A47. Picture: Levi James Lee @LJLee123 (Image: Archant)

Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact the SCIT on 101.

The incident has caused major disruption to commuters, with up to an hour's delay on adjoining roads and around the city.

But police have now confirmed that the A47 is open again to traffic.

Eastern Daily Press: Screenshot of the live traffic map taken at 9am.Screenshot of the live traffic map taken at 9am. (Image: Archant)

Live traffic map

During the morning Highways England put a local diversion in place and described the incident as 'serious'.

Traffic was queued back to Easton and police had to direct motorists on to Earlham Road.

Eastern Daily Press: Traffic on Watton Road at 9.39am. Photo: Steve AdamsTraffic on Watton Road at 9.39am. Photo: Steve Adams (Image: Archant)

Meanwhile, there had been reports that drivers on the nearby Queen's Hills estate in Costessey resorted to using a bus-only access route to avoid the congestion.

There were long delays between Longwater and the B1108 junction, and reports suggested that parts of the city were gridlocked.

The incident also caused delays to konectbus services.

Service numbers 4, 8, 53, 510, and 511 are all affected and experiencing delays.

Eastern Daily Press: Police close the A47. Photo: Steve AdamsPolice close the A47. Photo: Steve Adams (Image: Archant)

A fire crew from Earlham was called to the scene at around 6.20am to screen off the carriageway.

This story will be updated.

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