A BUSY road in Swinton has been closed for two days due to a burst water pipe.

The A6 remains shut in both directions at the junction between Chorley Road and Manchester Road.

Water has flooded the road and damaged an area of tarmac causing the street to become "unstable."

Police said the disruption is being caused by a burst water main near to Tesco Express.

The road was first shut at about 10am on Sunday.

Greater Manchester Police's traffic officers tweeted about the incident: "ROAD CLOSURE: Manchester Road just prior to the junction with Moorside Rd and Chorley Road, Swinton, is currently closed due to a burst water main and unstable road surface.

"It will be closed for some time.

"Check Transport for Greater Manchester for public transport information. Local businesses are open."

The road was closed to traffic at about 10.30am this morning, with diversions being put in place via Moorside Road and Moss Lane.

Barriers have been installed and police are urging members of the public to avoid the area.

Resident Elisabeth Varden said: "There will be traffic chaos tomorrow getting out of Walkden. Just seen a burst water main on the A6 Wardley outside the Tesco Express."

A photograph shows pools of water collecting in the surface of the road where large cracks have formed.

Greater Manchester Police's Swinton and Little Hulton teams posted on twitter: "Please avoid Manchester Road/Chorley Road in Swinton.
"Road closures are in place between Holloway Drive and Moorside Road due to a partial road collapse. Businesses are open as normal."