THREE miles of tailbacks were reported on the A38 yesterday after a crane fire brought traffic to a standstill and closed both sides of the arterial route.
A large crane burst into flames on the westbound side of the carriageway between Deep Lane and Marsh Mills just after 7am, with plumes of smoke across both sides of the road.
Both sides of the A38 were initially closed, before single lanes of traffic were opened to allow vehicles through.
Plymouth Highways said traffic was being diverted at Deep Lane through Plympton, which was also then experiencing heavy delays.
National Highways warned motorists of long delays, and issued a statement which said: "The A38 west between Plympton and Efford remains closed following a crane fire. Delays of 60 minutes and approx. three miles of congestion."
One eyewitness said: "Bumper to bumper from Deep Lane to Lee Mill heading west."
One person said: "A crane is on fire on the A38 heading towards Plymouth between Deep Lane and Marsh Mills."
Another added: "Car on fire A38 from Plympton to Marsh Mills."
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