TWO burst water mains caused traffic chaos in the Bear Cross area.

Magna Road in Bournemouth was closed on Wednesday after a burst water main flooded the road.

And there was also a "large burst" on a raw water main on Ringwood Road, which remains closed today northbound from West Howe to the Bear Cross Roundabout. The southbound lane is unaffected.

Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council said today the stretch is expected to be closed over the weekend for repairs. 

Bournemouth Water said they were doing "everything we can" to re-open the road as soon as possible.

"On Wednesday, a section of our water main underneath a dual carriageway section of Ringwood Road burst. This is located close to the Bear Cross roundabout.

"Our team have been working through the night to repair damage to the pipe and the road. Because of the extent of the damage, work will continue over the next 48 hours meaning the road will have to remain closed.

"We recommend commuters check local travel news. We apologise to all our customers for the disruption caused and want to reassure them that we will do everything we can to complete the reinstatement and reopen the road as soon as possible."

The incidents caused major traffic problems in Bear Cross and the surrounding area yesterday.

Police were called at 4.11pm to shut Magna Road at several junctions while Bournemouth Water carried out work to repair the water main.

BCP Council said they were "monitoring the situation closely".

According to local traffic reports, there were “solid” queues both ways on Ringwood Road, with congestion on the southbound side nearly reaching the A31, and queues on the northbound side along the Dorset Way towards Fleetsbridge.

Surrounding routes were also congested.