A SINKHOLE that appeared on a Wellington Road in early June will finally undergo repairs next week after a five-month wait.

The crater, which emerged after Parkland Road’s surface gave way and collapsed, was condoned off with cones and barriers by Somerset Council on Monday, June 3, for repairs that week.

The crater, which emerged after the road’s surface gave way and collapsed, was condoned off with cones and barriers by Somerset Council on Monday, June 3, for repairs that week.
The crater, which emerged after the road’s surface gave way and collapsed, was condoned off with cones and barriers by Somerset Council on Monday, June 3, for repairs that week. (Photo: Tindle News)

The council has confirmed repairs will now take place from Monday, October 28 at 8am until Friday, November 1 at 5pm.

The road will be partially closed so civil engineering contractor, Kier, can carry out works to replace existing piping and reinstate the “1.5 x1.5 carriageway void” to surface level, according to the Causeway one.network website.

Having appeared almost five months ago, the sinkhole has remained despite the council saying repairs would be completed “mid-week” in the week commencing June 3.

Somerset Council also launched an investigation into the cause of the sinkhole but no apparent conclusion has been reached.

Local residents have complained of traffic build-up and how the road has become inaccessible for emergency vehicles.

A resident who wished to remain anonymous said: “It’s a pain, for traffic really. A fire engine wouldn’t be able to get down here.”

The erection of road works and closures signs along the pavement have also created accessibility issues, say locals.

The council have announced that repairs will now take place next week from Monday, October 28 at 8am until Friday, November 1 at 5pm.
The council have announced that repairs will now take place next week from Monday, October 28 at 8am until Friday, November 1 at 5pm. (Photo: Tindle News)

Another anonymous resident said: “The signs are road signs, not pavement signs, and they’re blocking access.

“It’s like a chicane coming up here.”

There are six other small potholes along Parklands Road which have been marked for repair. There is no indication as to whether these will be repaired alongside the planned maintenance.

The road will be closed from Monday, October 28, for five days and will remain accessible from either end by car but will be closed along a central 45m stretch for work to be carried out. Vehicles will be diverted along Howard Road. There will be no footway closures.

Somerset Council have been approached for comment.

For more information about the works being carried out, contact Somerset Highways on 0300 123 2224 quoting reference number ttro606132W(TD).