FLOOD WATER under a railway bridge is causing delays for motorists in Christchurch.

A section of the carriageway running under the bridge at Stony Lane in Burton has flooded following heavy rain and rising water levels.

BCP Council closed the road on Friday morning, forcing motorists to find alternative routes.

In January, the same area was closed for more than a week after it became swamped with flood water.

Several drivers were forced to abandon their vehicles in the water after having their engines cut out.

Residents living near the bridge tried to protect their homes from floodwater with sandbags, but not all were successful.