A 3.5m deep and 5m wide sinkhole forced the B4058 Rushmire Hill, the main road through Coombe in Gloucestershire, to close immediately on 13 June.
An ‘urgent' investigation found that a damaged sewer pipe managed by Wessex Water was the cause of the critical failure. A Wessex Water spokesperson said that they are 'currently carrying out investigations and preparations to ensure repairs can be made safely and effectively', adding that they are working with Gloucestershire County Council Highways to 'ensure disruption to local residents, businesses and road users is kept to a minimum'.
Cllr Joe Harris, cabinet member for highways maintenance at Gloucestershire County Council, said: ‘Our investigation found that the drainage system in the area is owned by Wessex Water, and we believe the work will come under their responsibility unless their excavation work shows there is another contributing factor to the sinkhole. They are currently at the site carrying out work and repairs.
‘Once we’ve reviewed the results of the investigation, we’ll decide on the best course of action and share an update as soon as we can.’
The council stated that separate works are also being carried out alongside Rushmire Hill to prevent landslips and further road closures, and they expect that this work will be completed on schedule by 6 July.
It added that, whilst it cannot guarantee the sinkhole – which is located between the village of Coombe and Wotton-under-Edge – will be resolved by then, it is 'currently optimistic that the road can be fully opened by this date’
