A BUSY main road will be closed for the ‘foreseeable future’ after a sinkhole that appeared during rush hour traffic is worse than initially thought.

Drivers are being warned to avoid Kingshill Road in Old Town as it will be shut until investigations establish how much damage a collapsed sewer underneath the middle of the carriageway has caused.

Thames Water workers began repairing it today and will continue trying to fix it this weekend. In the meantime they have covered the hole with a piece of wood and a wheelbarrow, as well as putting metal fencing around it.

Despite being pressed by the Adver, the utility company has been unable to provide an estimate for how long the repair work will take.

The area of subsidence was first spotted between Clifton Street and Bowood Road yesterday morning and, due to the size and location, was closed to traffic over safety fears.

However, today it was announced that further investigations found the problem is more serious than expected and Thames Water is carrying out emergency repairs as water from the collapsed sewer is now causing erosion.

It is not yet known how much of the road this could impact.

“Kingshill is a busy road but it is a matter of public safety that it is closed. Repairs will be completed as quickly as possible,” said Coun Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for sustainability, highways and transport.

“People might laugh at pictures in the media and online of sinkholes appearing and cars disappearing into them, but this is the last thing we want to see happen in Swindon.

“Thames Water is on the case and making repairs to the collapsed sewer and the large void under the Tarmac.”

Drivers will be diverted via Wichelstowe from Bath Road on to Devizes Road, Croft Road, Black Horse Way, Foxham Way, Peglars Way, Redpost Drive and Wootton Bassett Road. Access will be maintained for residents and pedestrians.

A spokesman for Thames Water said: “During our investigation on Thursday we found a pipe connecting a property to our main sewer was damaged. We started repairing it on Friday morning and will continue working over the weekend to get it finished for Monday.

“Our sewage and water systems are separate from each other so there will not be any impact on the water supply to nearby homes.”

Thamesdown are also diverting its number 25 and 154 bus routes between Wootton Bassett Road and Bath Road via the Regent Circus area but will still serve Old Town and Bath Road.

However buses will not be running at Sunnyside Avenue, Hillside Avenue or Bowood Road.

Passengers are being advised to use the following alternative temporary stops at Westcott Place, Kent Road (in Bath Road) or Prospect (in Victoria Road - for other services to/from the town centre).

A spokesman for the bus company said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by circumstances beyond our control.”

This Is Wiltshire:

  • Kingshill Road, Swindon. Picture by Thomas Kelsey

Due to the nature of the work the council says it is too early to give an indication of when the road will be reopened to through traffic, but Thames Water will be working over the weekend and motorists will be updated when the road is ready to be reopened.

This Is Wiltshire:

  • Kingshill Road is closed to traffic. Pictures by Thomas Kelsey

    This Is Wiltshire: