One lane of the A47 has been reopened in each direction following a crash near Norwich this morning in which a lorry driver died.

The incident happened at about 10am at the A140 Harford Bridges, when the lorry crossed the central reservation.

The A47 was closed in both directions between the A140 Ipswich Road junction and the A11 Thickthorn roundabout as police, fire, ambulance and air ambulance crews attended.

Police confirmed this afternoon that the driver of the lorry died.

One lane of the Yarmouth-bound carriageway was opened at around 3.30pm, and one lane of the Dereham-bound carriageway was reopened at 4.40pm. Repairs to the central reservation are being carried out.

The lorry, which spilled its cargo of potatoes, collided with a Seat Leon on the Yarmouth-bound carriageway, and two other vehicles travelling in the opposite direction received minor damage.

The female driver of the Seat Leon was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

Sgt Ade Hales from the Roads Policing Unit said: 'We'd like to thank all those motorists who were stuck in traffic for their patience and understanding while we recovered the vehicles and carried out the necessary investigations.

'We are grateful for their consideration and appreciate it must have been very frustrating.

'However, this was an extremely serious and complicated collision and it was important that the carriageway was made safe before we allowed the traffic to get moving again.

He added: 'We'd also like to thank a local farmer who, with his teleporter vehicle, helped remove many of the potatoes that had fallen from the HGV and covered much of the carriageway. His assistance was much appreciated.'

Motorists were diverted through the city, and there was gridlock on surrounding roads as drivers look for alternative routes.

Any witnesses to the collision who have not yet spoken to police should contact Roads Policing Unit at Wymondham on 101.

Have you been caught in the traffic? Post your comments below, email mark.shields@archant.co.uk or call 01603 772423.