A burst water main has been spotted by motorists travelling over the Wairoa Bridge on State Highway 2.

A spokesperson for the Western Bay of Plenty District Council says a high pressure water main has burst beside the bridge.

'It is being repaired by Western Bay of Plenty District Council contractors.

'SH2 will remain open as the water main can be repaired without interfering with traffic flow.”

The council says it is expected to take around four to five hours to fix.

Water supply to some properties will be affected, including the Waipuna Hospice.

Western Bay council says they are arranging for water to be supplied to the Hospice.