A47 now reopened following earlier closure as man’s body found on side of carriageway
Police investigating the accident on the Great Yarmouth bound carriageway of the A47 near Little Melton. Photo: Steve Adams - Credit: Archant
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.
Traffic backed up at Longwater. Picture: Levi James Lee ?@LJLee123 - Credit: 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.
Traffic on the A47. Picture: Levi James Lee @LJLee123 - Credit: 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.
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But police have now confirmed that the A47 is open again to traffic.
Screenshot of the live traffic map taken at 9am. - Credit: Archant
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.
Traffic on Watton Road at 9.39am. Photo: Steve Adams - Credit: 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.
Police close the A47. Photo: Steve Adams - Credit: 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.
