A MAJOR Bournemouth town centre will close to traffic today for three weeks – meaning long delays are likely on routes around the town.

The Bath Road flyover will be shut to traffic funtil Friday, February 14, with no through route from the roundabout near Westover Road straight to Exeter Road.

Traffic will face an extended diversion, which will go via Priory Road, West Cliff Road, Durley Road South, Durley Chine Road, Cambridge Road, A338 Wessex Way, St Paul’s Road, St Swithun’s Road South and Gervis Road.

Officials say the closure is necessary for 'essential repairs' to a water main.

Bournemouth Water engineers will use the time to replace 30 metres of pipe after a potential major issue was discovered last year.

The utilities company says there is a “high likelihood of future failure” if the water main is not dealt with.

Car parks in Bath Road will remain open and emergency services will still have access.