BURST pipe repairs which were expected to cause traffic nightmares in Botley Road for three days have been cleared after just 24 hours.

Engineers from Thames Water coned off a strip outside The One fusion restaurant yesterday, where water was gushing out of a jagged pothole.

A temporary traffic light system sparked major delays, with tailbacks piling back in both directions from Waitrose to George Street as rush hour brought vehicles to a gridlocked standstill.

A Thames Water engineer on scene yesterday predicted a three-day job, but this morning the works have been cleared away.

A spokesman for the company said the work went well and was complete.