A burst water main that brought traffic on part of the A47 to a standstill today has now been fixed.Motorists travelling between Norwich and Dereham were caught up in major tailbacks this morning while Anglian Water worked to fix a water main at Hockering.

A burst water main that brought traffic on part of the A47 to a standstill today has now been fixed.

Motorists travelling between Norwich and Dereham were caught up in major tailbacks this morning while Anglian Water worked to fix a water main at Hockering.

The water started going across the A47 at about 3.50am and initially froze as temperatures dropped to minus 3 C.

It took about 50 minutes to get the water supplies turned off but the burst main had caused damage to the road surface and debris was left on the carriageway.

Temporary traffic lights were set up and the road was restricted to one lane.

A diversion was also set up as an alternative but due to vehicles not being able to be sent on lesser roads, it was a long detour.

Police said long tailbacks were reported in both directions, especially during the rush hour.

A spokesman for Anglian Water said the burst water main was fixed by 10.30am today and that the company hoped the road surface would be repaired before the rush hour sets in tonight .

He added: “We understand that the burst water main caused major traffic problems. Two properties also had their water cut off. We apologise for any inconvenience that this has caused.”