Police closed the A57 in Greater Manchester to traffic as they tried to to help a woman who was spotted on the the wrong side of the Mancunian Way bridge.
Officers were called to the busy city centre carriageway just before 7am following reports of a woman seen on the motorway.
Traffic was temporarily closed in both directions from 7.35am causing long tailbacks in the area as emergency crews dealt with the incident.
Buses and other vehicles have been diverted from the scene which is close to the A56 Chester Road Roundabout.
The incident has caused long queues along Chorlton Road and from the A56 Chester Road to A6042 Trinity Way.
Greater Manchester Police said on Twitter: "Officers are currently responding to reports of concern for the welfare of a woman on a bridge over the Mancunian Way. Please avoid the area where possible. Updates to follow."
Transport for Greater Manchester later said the motorway was to be reopened.
Police at the scene also confirmed that the woman was taken down from the bridge at around 8am.
They said: "Mancunian Way Update: The female is safely down from the bridge and the Mancunian Way is now open. Thank you for your patience whilst we dealt with this incident. Sgt K"
