Fire closes Bedford Highway during morning commute

A fire forced the closure of a busy portion of the Bedford highway leading into the city for part of Tuesday morning.

The fire department said they had seven trucks at the scene near the old Esquire motel, about 10 kilometres from the centre of the city near the intersection with Millview Avenue.

The road was blocked off near the scene due to the gear being used to combat the blaze, forcing commuters to take detours throughout the morning rush hour.

No injuries were reported, but a spokesman for the fire department said parts of the building were badly damaged.

The fire was reported to be under control by about 9 a.m., and the road open to traffic shortly afterward.