Burst water main causes major traffic delays

Adelaide motorists are experiencing heavy delays as a burst water main has shut down a main thoroughfare in the city’s west.

Both northbound lanes of South Road at Richmond remain close after the main burst at 3.40am today.

Traffic into the city was banked up for more than one kilometre during peak-hour this morning, causing headaches for commuters.

Traffic is continuing to be diverted into the city onto James Congdon Drive.

The burst main has caused extensive damage to the road surface with repairs currently being undertaken. 

Drivers have expressed their frustration at the time it had taken South Australia Water repairs crews to arrive at the scene at 7.30am.

One driver from England said he was fed up and traffic in Adelaide was "worse than London".

Another driver said the delay in repairs was "ridiculous".

It is likely the road will not be repaired or re-opened in time for this afternoon's peak.

One nearby parked car was showered with mud during the incident but escaped major damage.