TRAFFIC is slow moving northbound on the A338 Spur Road near the exit for Christchurch and Royal Bournemouth Hospitals as police have closed a lane of the road due to a vehicle breaking down.

Road closures have been put in place to allow for the “abnormal load” to be recovered.

The flyover over the Cooper Dean roundabout has been closed, with traffic being diverted down the slip road to the roundabout and then back up the other side.

Drivers face long delays and have been advised to “avoid the area if possible”.

The lane closures have caused significant tailbacks, with traffic reported to be backed up to the St Pauls roundabout.

A police spokesman said: “We received a report at 11.25am that an abnormal load had broken down near to the Cooper Dean roundabout on the northbound carriageway of the A338 Spur Road.

“Road closures have been put in place as recovery for the vehicle is arranged and are expected to be in place for some time.

“Motorists are being urged to avoid the area if possible.”