Burst water main floods North Melbourne streets

A North Melbourne street has been badly damaged after a water main burst this morning, with fears parts of the road may collapse from the water pressure.

Emergency crews and Melbourne Water were called to the scene on the corner of Abbotsford and Arden streets around 5am this morning, to find a large stream of water flowing down the street.

The pressure of the water has left a large crater in the road and caused some of the asphalt to lift.

Commuters have been advised to use Queensbury Street instead, with buses to replace trams on Route 57.

The drainage system stopped the gushing water from damaging houses and parked cars.

Crews have managed to switch off the main, but the road will be closed for the rest of the day.