A burst water main was causing traffic hold-ups in Colchester today.

Maldon Road was closed off from the roundabout at Colchester Police Station and work was expected to continue until at least the end of this week.

The road is closed from the roundabout to Beaconsfield Road and signed diversions are in place via Oxford Road and Butt Road.

The water main was repaired within hours but extensive damage was caused to the road and pavement.

Each stage of the repair work has to settle to make a firm foundation for the road surface, said an Anglian Water spokesman today.

"The road and pavement are having to be rebuilt from a fairly deep level and firm foundations have to be created," he said.

Colchester Council head of highways Barry Layzell thanked road users for their patience.

"Residents in Oxford Road and Butt Road have had a lot more traffic past their doors and we thank them for being understanding," he said.

Colchester firefighters dealt with the flood after the burst at midnight last Friday.

An Anglian Water team were called out and worked through the night to repair the burst. No homes were without water.

Teams of workmen from Anglian Water, the borough council and other utilities have been working at the scene since to put the road back together.

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