A water company has apologised after diversion and closure signs on a busy route sparked rush hour chaos – despite the road being open.

South East Water repaired a burst water main on New Dover Road, Canterbury, over the weekend after it had been left leaking for three months.

However, this morning notices stating that the road was closed and diverting traffic to nearby routes were still up.

The result was “confusion and traffic disruption” in the city, as motorists negotiated the blockage on the surrounding network.

South East Water has confirmed that the signage was not removed and apologised for the inconvenience.

Regional network manager Andy Beston said: “The leak on New Dover Road was repaired yesterday, and we kept the road closed while the surface cured.

“Although the road was reopened this morning, we were made aware that diversion route signs were left out, which caused confusion and traffic disruption in the area.

“The signs have since been removed, and the road is now fully open.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused.”

A Kent County Council spokesman added: “New Dover Road was closed by South East Water (SEW) on Saturday night to carry out an urgent repair to a leaking pipe in the carriageway.

“KCC crews attended the site at 9am today to find the road reopened and the reinstatement completed.

“The SEW signs advising the road was closed have now been removed.”