Sinkhole on Frodsham Street, Chester blocks all traffic

Water was seen spurting from the sinkhole at around noon on Thursday, June 6.

The burst water main shoots water out of the sinkhole on Frodsham Street. Picture: Mark Tilling.

The road had previously been reopened to buses after being closed earlier this week while Severn Trent Water had been called to connect a property to the water supply on Monday.

But as a result of the new sinkhole, buses queued up along Frodsham Street and were stuck as Severn Trent engineers were called out once more to fix the problem.

Buses queue up on Frodsham Street as the newly developed sinkhole prevented access. Picture: Mark Tilling.

Cheshire West and Chester Council confirmed Frodsham Street was currently closed to all traffic due to the burst water main, and bus diversions were in place.

The council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Cllr Karen Shore, said: “Our Highways team has been dealing with an issue on Frodsham Street in Chester following a burst water main.

"Staff from Severn Trent Water are on site trying to fix the problem. There will be a manned temporary closure of Frodsham Street from the corner of Gorse Stacks until the area has been made safe.

"Buses using this route have been diverted to St Oswalds Way, Union Street and Vicars Lane. Notices will be displayed on bus stops in Foregate Street. Bus passengers are advised to board buses at Chester Bus Interchange.” 

The sinkhole has been cordoned off and pedestrians are advised on site not to stand too near the hole in case water begins spraying up again.