A major water leak has closed parts of Wimborne Road in Kinson.
The road is currently shut between Northbourne Roundabout and The Broadway, with a further closure in place between Avebury Avenue and Pinewood Avenue.
Dorset Police said a significant underground leak has caused the road surface and pavements to lift, leaving them soft and unsafe underfoot.
BCP Council and Bournemouth Water have been informed, with engineers expected to assess the damage and begin repair work.
The closure is expected to remain in place for some time, as officials believe a large section of the road may need to be dug up.
An update said there is a likely rupture of a 12-inch water main.
BCP Council is currently at the scene and is expected to hand the site over to Bournemouth Water tomorrow for further investigation.
Because the carriageway has risen so sharply, it is considered highly likely that a whole section of road will need to be rebuilt.
That work would be needed to reduce the risk and possibility of sinkholes.
Drivers are being asked to avoid the area and use alternative routes.
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