New Dover Road, Canterbury, set to be shut all weekend for South East Water repairs

A major route is set to be shut all weekend after a road flooded.

New Dover Road in Canterbury - a key road in and out of the city - has been closed since yesterday afternoon because a water pipe burst.

New Dover Road in Canterbury is shut after a water pipe burst

The emergency closure sparked rush hour chaos with the bus and main commuter route taken out of action.

The burst pipe also resulted in properties in the area experiencing low water pressure, but water bosses say these have now returned to normal.

The closure, which is near the city’s Premier Inn, has been put in place by South East Water and contractors from Clancy are carrying out the repairs.

Advice to drivers from Kent Highways confirmed the route will be shut for up to three days from today while repairs are finalised.

This means the weekend traffic could see delays in and around the city as motorists are diverted.

The major route will be out of action all weekend

South East Water spokesman Adam Newbury said: “Repairs to the burst pipe have been completed and tap water supplies have returned to normal.

“The burst caused a lot of damage to the road surface. Work is now underway to resurface the carriageway.

“Our teams are working as quickly as possible and for the safety of the public and our workforce the road will be closed until it is completed.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience this has caused and thank motorists for their patience.”