Kingsbridge road closed after hole discovered
The hole was discovered on Fore Street in Kingsbridge during flood inspection work
Fore Street in Kingsbridge is closed after a large hole was discovered beneath the road during flood inspection work yesterday (January 20).
Devon County Council carried out an internal inspection of a watercourse culvert beneath the road and found a restriction in water flow at the location.
Further investigation revealed a hole measuring around two metres deep and four metres by three metres across, where the road support and historical culvert previously been.
A South West Water (SWW) sewer pipe is exposed within the hole and the council say the pipe now requires assessment and protection to avoid damage before repairs can proceed.
Devon County Council has said it will be working closely with South West Water and the Environment Agency to ensure safe and efficient repair work can take place.
The road closure is expected to remain in place while work is carried out.
Councillor Julian Brazil, Devon County Council Leader and County Councillor for Kingsbridge, said:
“Our highways officers were rightly concerned about the possibility that the support for the road had been undermined.
"Thank heavens they closed the road and discovered the problem.
"Unfortunately, though, this isn’t a straightforward repair and it’s not certain how long it will need to be closed.
“Great care is being taken to avoid fracturing the sewer, but hand digging will take extra time, and the staff on site are dealing with a tidal watercourse.
"Due to the location of the sewer our teams will be working closely with South West Water to ensure the road is reinstated safely and securely.”