EMERGENCY repair work to fix a gas leak caused rush-hour chaos in and around Welwyn this morning (Wednesday).

A lane of the A1000 underneath the A1(M) motorway, near the Welwyn Roman Baths, was cordoned off by National Grid workmen.

The resulting backlog of traffic saw cars backed through Woolmer Green towards Knebworth, and also through Codicote.

Some motorists reported delays of an hour or more as they tried to get to work this morning.

A National Grid spokeswoman said a passer-by reported a smell of gas just before 7.30pm last night.

She said: “We had engineers on site overnight and this morning.

“We’re hoping to have the lane re-opened by lunchtime, all being well.”