A MAJOR route into Southampton city centre was closed in the run up to rush hour this afternoon after a motorcyclist collided with a road barrier.

Ambulance crews rushed to the westbound dual carriageway of Bitterne Road West at around 2.45pm after receiving emergency calls from other motorists.

Police were then forced to close the busy carriageway while a rescue operation got underway and investigations into the accident were launched.

Motorists were told to turn around in the road and head back the wrong way along the carriageway.

Meanwhile other drivers attempting to join the dual carriageway from West End Road and Peartree Avenue were also facing police barriers.

The 1,000cc Honda motorbike was later removed and the driver taken by ambulance to hospital - although the nature of his injuries is still unclear.

A police spokesman said the road was reopened at around 3.30pm, though delays were expected to continue until 4pm.