Drivers trapped for hours in Edinburgh city bypass flooding

Road maintenance firm Bear Scotland said it was working with Police Scotland to get traffic through safely “as soon as possible”.

Many drivers took to social media to describe “horrendous” conditions and to voice frustration at the long delays.

Traffic Scotland said police were releasing trapped traffic at about 22:00 and were “attempting to let motorists pass for a short time in order to relieve the congestion”.

Transport Scotland said Bear Scotland had been pumping water since the afternoon and police officers were making “welfare checks” and diverting traffic via nearby slip roads.

A spokesperson added: “With persistent rainfall into the evening, and to keep people safe, Police Scotland took the decision to close the road.

“We’re asking drivers to follow Traffic Scotland and Police Scotland for the latest updates, as road operatives work to reopen the road as soon as possible.”