A busy road set to close for three months has been shut prematurely owing to a large water leak.

The A228 Frindsbury Hill is shut in both directions, between Bill Street Road and Church Green in Strood, due to a burst main.

Video footage shows water gushing out of a large pothole which has been cordoned off.

The sudden closure is affecting commuters and bus users in Frindsbury Hill and Wainscott this morning.

Arriva is currently diverting passengers for its 192 service via Hollywood Lane and Brompton Farm to reach Strood.

Southern Water, the company responsible for the works, has apologised for the delays the issue is causing.

It says the burst was caused by a blown ferrule – a cap used in pipe and fixture joints to create a tight compression fitting.

A spokesman explained: “Our teams are tackling a burst water main at Frindsbury Hill between Bill Street Road and Church Green.

“We’re sorry for the disruption and inconvenience this is causing people in the area.

“We aim to complete the repair and get the road reopen by the end of today.”

A spokesman for Medway Council added: "The mains leak was reported last night (March 3) and council officers are liaising with Southern Water on site this morning.

"It is hoped the road can be reopened as soon as possible."

It comes just a week ahead of a three-month closure planned for the same stretch of road.

Frindsbury Hill is set close in the Strood-bound direction from the Sans Pareil roundabout from March 11 to June 21.

It’s being shut for the construction of an entrance to the new Maritime Academy School.

The 5.4-mile stretch of road is one of the busiest in the area and is predicted to cause traffic chaos for commuters and businesses.

Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst has already expressed her concerns.

“I am deeply troubled and concerned by what is being proposed,” the Tory MP explained.

“This will cause three months of disruption in the busiest part of my constituency.

"Over recent months residents have faced delays of up to 45 minutes or even an hour getting around town.

“I’m not sure how we will manage in those three months.”

The diversion will take motorists to Wulfere Way, through Hasted Road, Gravesend Road, London Road, Gun Lane and then back to Frindsbury Road.