Tamworth traffic lights out on Brisbane Street won't be back online until about 9pm

A Transport Management Centre spokesperson said the lights had been out since about 3.30pm on Friday afternoon, but technicians wouldn't be on scene to fix them until later this evening.

"Technicians are quite a long way away, they're coming from Newcastle, so they won't be getting there til later this evening, about 9pm," the spokesperson said.

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Local police have been on the scene directing motorists through the flashing amber lights, but the spokesperson said traffic controllers would soon take their place until the problem is fixed.

It's cutting into travel time for motorists eager to begin their weekends, with minor delays being experienced.

The spokesperson said staff originally thought a power issue was the problem, but with power still reaching the lights, it was an unknown technical issue at this stage.