There are delays throughout Christchurch this morning as the first morning of the Barrack Road works bites.

Traffic was queued back to Blackwater as a result of the eastbound lane closure on the key route.

Temporary traffic lights are in place at the junction of Stour Road and Bargates, causing traffic to back up along Fairmile Road, heading towards Christchurch.

Read more: Roadworks on major route start  - here's what you need to know

The roadworks are due to continue until Friday.

A diversion is in place around Stour Road and Bargates during the next few days.

The partial closure is to allow SGN engineers to address a leaking main under the road, which has been located following reported gas escapes.

Hoardings have been up on a traffic island in the road since May.