The county council says it is looking at works ‘to finally solve the persistent road issues’ in Pinchbeck’s Enterprise Way.
The road was closed two weeks ago between Stephenson Avenue up to Edison Close after gradually sinking, something that’s occurred twice previously in the last few years.
Lincolnshire County Council say the road is currently due to open on Friday June 26 but it could be longer as it is ‘carrying out extensive drainage investigations on the road and across a much wider area than before’ as well as working with Anglian Water which will also look into the issue.
“This time the team widened the inspection area so they could look at everything that might be feeding into the problem, not just the localised area to where the sinkhole appeared,” a spokesman for Lincolnshire County Council. “By taking in a much larger area to investigate all drainage, utilities, underground settling and other factors, crews have now been able to identify several elements within the surrounding drainage systems that help explain why the problem has been so persistent. These findings are now guiding the work on site.
“Right now, council crews are repairing the damaged section of the authority’s own drainage network. The excavation is complicated and needs heavy trench support. Ground conditions and the recent wet weather have made it harder than usual to carry out what is difficult works at the best of times.
“The aim is to finish this part of the work by the end of the week as this repair is needed in order to stabilise the area before the next stage can begin.
“When the council’s section is complete, Anglian Water will move in to carry out detailed investigations into their recycling and surface water systems. They will then make any repairs needed to their assets. Their phase will take longer and is the reason that the road will need to stay closed after the council’s work is finished.
“Although the council and Anglian Water each have their own work to do, both organisations are coordinating closely. Information is being shared and activity is being planned together to keep disruption as low as possible.
“At the moment, the road is expected to remain closed for around another two weeks with a planned end date of Friday, June 26. LCC is pushing to finish its part of the repair as quickly as possible, but it is worth noting that the road can only reopen once Anglian Water has completed its investigations and any follow‑on repairs.
“The aim of this wider and more detailed approach is to get to the bottom of the problem properly and stop the same issues returning.”
Ashley Behan, traffic manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We know how disruptive this closure is for residents, businesses and those travelling through the area, and I’d like to thank everyone for their continued patience.
“This is a complex piece of work and, given the history of issues at this location, it’s important that we take the time to fully understand and resolve all of the underlying causes.
“We are working closely with Anglian Water to do that, and to make sure we put in place a lasting solution. Our priority is to repair the causes properly, ensure the network is stable, and avoid a repeat of this issue in the future.
“We will continue to do everything we can to complete the works as quickly as possible, while making sure they are done right. Local businesses remain open as usual, and I’d encourage road users to allow extra time for journeys in and around the area whilst these works are ongoing.”
