New date announced for sinkhole road reopening

A burst water pipe in January caused a partial collapse in Kidmore Road

A water company has given a new date for reopening a road that has been closed for months due to a sinkhole.

Thames Water, which is responsible for the piping and sewer network at Kidmore Road in Caversham, Berkshire, said restrictions were expected to be removed on 12 December.

Part of the road collapsed on 13 January after a pipe burst and difficulties with groundwork initially delayed the predicted reopening until 27 October.

A spokesperson for Thames Water previously apologised for the inconvenience.

The road closure is expected to last for 11 months in total

The sinkhole was caused by a burst water pipe and a 15-week pipe fixing programme began in August.

Commuters cannot driven through Kidmore Road to get to Tokers Green or down into Reading.

Instead, they have been using Shepherds Lane, Upper Woodcote Road and other nearby roads to complete their journeys.

Thames Water said it notified Reading council of the new issue in August

Thames Water previously told the BBC that the repair works to fix had been delayed once again after a "secondary ground feature" had been identified.

A spokesperson for the company said: "Whilst we finalise these plans it is possible that there may be temporary access restrictions and that the road closure permit and bus stop suspensions may need to be extended.

"This is essential to ensure the health and safety of the public and teams on site."

The road closure is expected to last for 11 months in total.

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