THE Mersey Gateway bridge has been reopened after it was shut for two hours this morning, Tuesday.

Traffic was trapped heading from Runcorn to Widnes in what is being described as a 'police incident'.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "At 7.15am on Tuesday police were called to a concern for the safety of a man on the Mersey Gateway bridge in Widnes.

"Officers along with emergency services from ambulance and fire attended.

"Officers engaged with the man and he came down a short time later.

"He was then taken to hospital for medical assessment.

"The Widnes bound carriageway has since reopened." 

The road closed at 8am and reopened around 10am.

Congestion was back to nearly the Western Point Expressway with queues through Runcorn along the Central Expressway. 

Police are warning drivers to avoid the area.

The closure is also still having an affect on Chester Road in Walton as drivers divert through Warrington to avoid the bridge.