Sinkhole closes busy route after water main burst

A main commuter route has been closed after a sinkhole appeared in the road.

Hampshire County Council said a burst water main caused the sinkhole on the A326 Hythe Bypass at Applemore Hill on Tuesday morning.

The road has been closed in both directions between Dibden roundabout and Sizer Way roundabout.

Southern Water said the repair work was likely to continue until Friday.

Eighteen properties have lost their water supply as a result and they are being provided with bottled water.

The road connects towns and villages along the Waterside with routes into and out of Southampton.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Nick Adams-King, said: "Clearly this will cause significant disruption around Hythe and Dibden, please allow extra time for your journey as a result."

A 4.5-mile (7km) diversion route is in place, via Main Road, Southampton Road and Beaulieu Road.

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