A section of a residential road in Bexleyheath swallowed up by a large sinkhole will remain closed for around six weeks, says Bexley Council.
It comes after reports of a large sinkhole were made to police shortly before 9pm on June 21.
A police cordon was initially put up around the damaged section of the road and officers remained to protect members of the public.
A spokesperson for Bexley Council previously said the repairs are “likely to take some time” due to the nature of the soil, the depth of the hole, and the need for specialist equipment.
In a further statement issued on June 25, the council said engineers are working with a contractor to clear the site, repair the damage and arrange for the road and footpaths to be restored.
This is estimated to take around six weeks, according to Bexley Council.
The council also apologised for the inconvenience caused by repairs.
The sinkhole, with a five-meter depth, extends across the full width of the carriageway up to the pavements on either side.
A barrier has been set up by Thames Water around the site cordoning off the area.
Cones have also been put in place to protect the damaged area.
A spokesperson for Bexley Council said: “The hole caused the road to collapse and extensive damage to services under the ground.
“Working with the Council, Thames Water worked overnight on Wednesday to restore services.
“Council engineers are working with its contractor to clear the site, repair the damage and arrange for the road and footpaths to be restored.
“The contractor started work on Friday and is currently removing material from the hole and replacing it.
"They are working extended hours over the weekend.
“Next week, Thames Water will start replacing the damaged sewers.
“The Council’s engineers currently estimate that it will take about six weeks to clear the site, fill the hole, repair Thames Water’s pipes below the ground and then re-lay the road surface and footpaths.
“They have employed specialist companies to carry out a ground survey of the area to identify any other locations of concern.
“Local residents will be updated on the progress of the work.
“We are sorry for the inconvenience caused while the repairs are taking place.”
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