A BURST water main on a busy city road could keep it closed for several days, authorities have warned.

Worcestershire Highways issued the warning after Barbourne Road was shut yesterday after a burst pipe sent water pouring out across the street.

Police have also been asked to enforce road laws against drivers using St George's Walk the wrong way.

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Depending on where they are heading, drivers are advised to use either Holt Fleet bridge/A443/Hylton Road, Bilford Road, Blackpole Road or routes via Warndon.

A Worcestershire Highways spokesperson said: "We are expecting A38 Barbourne Road, Worcester, to remain closed for several days.

"We're meeting with Severn Trent to assess damage to the road.

"We've asked them to improve diversion signage.

"We've asked Worcester police to enforce against drivers using St George's Walk the wrong way."

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There is currently pedestrian and cycle access past the site, but the council has recommended avoiding the area entirely as this may change.

A Severn Trent spokesperson said the area has a complex network of pipes and that fixing the problem as quickly as possible is the company's top priority. 

They said: “We’d like to apologise for the disruption that’s being caused on Barbourne Road today, and we're incredibly thankful for everyone's patience as we work on this complicated burst.

“Work has to be carried out carefully as this is a complex network of pipes, but our teams are now ready to start excavating so repairs can begin.

"Our priority has been that everyone’s water has remained on throughout, which we did with our tankers in the area, keeping supplies on for everyone.

“We do, however, fully understand that Barbourne Road is a busy, well-used road, so we’re working with the council to ensure the best traffic management and signage is in place to help ease traffic.

"There will also be a lot of activity happening on site when repairs begin, so again, we’re sorry for the disruption that will cause.

“We want to assure everyone that it is our absolute priority to have the pipe fixed and road back open as quickly as we can, and again, we're very thankful for the local communities understanding as we work in their area."