The A41 in Bushey is likely to remain closed for the rest of the working week.

Engineers are working 24/7 to repair a burst water main but the work has required a huge excavation.

Due to the size of the excavation, there is no way of reopening the major road - even partially – until the repairs have been completed.

The A41 has been closed between the Hartspring roundabout and Sandy Lane, by McDonald’s, since the early hours of Monday morning and a spokesperson has told us the road is unlikely to reopen until Friday afternoon.

Watford Observer:

Credit: Affinity Water

An Affinity Water spokesperson said: “We are very sorry for the traffic disruption caused by a burst along the A41 near Bushey.

“The water main is over 3.5 metres deep and has required a large excavation to expose the pipe, which is also adjacent to a gas main and electric cable.

“Our teams have been working 24 hours a day to expose the pipe and carry out the repairs. During this time, part of the A41 is closed and there is a diversion in place to ensure the safety of commuters and our engineers carrying out this repair.

“We have adjusted our network to ensure there is no impact to public supplies and our teams will be working overnight to complete the repairs and re-open the road.

“We would like to thank customers and commuters for their patience during this time.”

There have been delays in and around Bushey and Aldenham, particularly in Hartspring Lane and Little Bushey Lane.

The closure has also affected the M1 and Stephenson Way during the morning rush hour.

The situation was made even worse this morning due to a small sinkhole in Aldenham Road near Queens School.

Watford Observer:

The hole in Aldenham Road. Credit: Bushey Liberal Democrats

Watford Observer:

Closure in Aldenham Road Credit: Hertsmere Police

Investigations are currently being carried out in the road and the hole has been cordoned off by Hertfordshire County Council.

Police were at the scene yesterday evening when the hole was more of a pothole and reported some vehicles had been damaged driving over the hole.

Aldenham Road remains closed and could be for the forseeable future with a much larger hole now dug.

Watford Observer:

The above image was shared by the Bushey Liberal Democrats on Facebook which said its councillors have been in touch with the county council.

The Facebook post added that notices had been put up saying Aldenham Road could be closed in both directions until October 6, although it is an "estimate" at this stage.

The post added: "We have stressed that closing the road for any longer than necessary will cause huge disruption for residents, and have urged them to complete the repairs as soon as possible."

Meanwhile the closure of Heathbourne Road since 8am this morning due to roadworks caused gridlock in Bushey Heath.

Watford Observer:

The burgundy lines show standstill traffic this morning. Credit: Google Maps

Queues stretched all the way back to Bushey Arches, affecting drivers travelling through Watford and Oxhey.

Those delays have now cleared but similar delays are expected for the rest of this week, with those roadworks lasting until September 29, and the A41 still closed.

Little Bushey Lane and Sandy Lane remain slow this afternoon.