Thousands of drivers experienced frustrating delays Sunday afternoon after a major Vancouver traffic artery was shut down for more than two hours.

A police incident closed the Lions Gate Bridge from noon to 2:30 p.m. Witnesses reported seeing a distraught man on the bridge.

But many motorists had no idea the bridge was closed -- until it was too late. Those who did heard it on the news.

A police officer was seen holding a makeshift sign advising people to turn on their car radios. But is that the best the city can offer?

Traffic snarl-ups aren't unusual for Lower Mainland bridges. Car accidents, protests and emergency situations are all known to bring traffic to a standstill.

On Canada Day 2008, the Iron Worker's Memorial Bridge was closed down for almost seven hours -- leading North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto to question bridge emergency procedure.

"We're going to have to look at our protocols to ensure we minimize delays to public in the future," Mussatto told CTV News.

Some drivers said a few city signs would have saved them all a lot of trouble.

"Signage would be nice, saying the bridge is shut down," one motorist said. "They could've warned us further down Georgia Street."

Because though a police officer with a hand-written sign got the job done in a pinch, a better game plan will surely come in handy during lengthy rush-hour backups -- not to mention Olympic-sized traffic headaches.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Penny Daflos