IT's all over - roadworks on one of Southampton's busiest commuter routes is finally finished.

Thousands of motorists were caught in nightmare traffic jams following a gas leak on Millbrook Road West coming into the city.

The queues were so bad they stretched the length of the M271 and on to the M27 and back along ther A35 towards Ashurst and the New Forest.

But last night workmen finished the repairs and all three lanes of the busy road are finally open this morning.

Southern Gas Networks said a ten-inch fracture in the pipe had been repaired following reports of a gas leak.

Spokeswoman Sharon Miller McKenzie insisted the works had been “essential" and thanked the public for its understanding.

It is the ninth time the road has been dug up for work by gas contractors in just three years.

Drivers had been been caught up in hours of delays after two of the three lanes on the eastbound carriageway were closed between Millbrook Flyover and Regents Park Road.