Ouseburn sinkhole repairs ‘more complex and complicated than usual’
Repairs to a Newcastle[1] road after a sinkhole opened up have been "more complex and complicated than usual", resulting in a delay in when the road can reopen.
Stepney Bank, in Ouseburn[2], has remained closed after part of the road caved in on Tuesday, June 18. Northumbrian Water had hoped to reopen the road early this week after carrying out repairs.
However, due to the location of the damage it is expected that the road will remain closed until the end of this week. Repair works had already started at the site on Wednesday morning, with a large section had being reduced to rubble.
Photos taken at the site show parts of a cobbled road which had been uncovered due to the damage.
The incident occurred close to a number of businesses including the Tanners Arms, Tattoo Zone and Little Buildings. Some properties were left without water following the incident on Tuesday evening, with Northumbrian Water discovering a burst water main. Water supply was quickly restored and there has been no further impact on water supplies.
A spokesperson for Northumbrian Water said: "Since the burst occurred, our teams have been working hard on carrying out the repair and restoring the road.
"Due to the location, the reinstatement of the road has been more complex and complicated than usual, which is why we anticipate that the work will be completed and the road will be reopened in time for the weekend.
"The teams have worked incredibly hard to make sure that there has been no impact on customer supplies, and this been the case since it happened.
"We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding."