By 19:00, there were traffic wardens on each floor by the exit ramps helping to direct traffic.
Lucy Trimnell, a Somerset councillor, posted on X that Bristol was “absolute bedlam” after spending three hours stuck in queues.
She added there was “gridlock” on all the roads.
There are multiple traffic jams including Bond Street, Temple Way, The Haymarket, Newfoundland Way and St James Barton Roundabout, according to Google Maps.
A spokesperson for Bristol City Council said: “There was an issue with a traffic light in the area. The contractors are on site and looking at it now.”
