Bolton’s Mytham Road shut over weekend for sinkhole repairs

United Utilities confirmed engineers were called to Mytham Road, Bolton, on Thursday (January 22) after reports of a “void” appearing in the carriageway.

Investigations revealed the issue was caused by a leaking pipe beneath the road surface.

A spokesperson for United Utilities said: “On Thursday, engineers received reports of a void on Mytham Road, Bolton.

“Our teams quickly arrived on site and found the cause to be a leaking pipe.

“To keep staff and the public safe, a road closure will remain in place while we work over the weekend to repair the pipe and reinstate the road.

“We are sorry for the disruption and want to thank the local community for their patience while we work as quickly as we can to resolve the issue.”

The Mytham Road sinkhole (Image: NQ)

The sinkhole opened on the afternoon of January 22 outside Mytham Primary School, leaving part of the busy village road collapsed and out of use.

Motorist Shaun Welsby said he was taken by surprise when the ground gave way beneath his vehicle as he drove along the road.

Road will continue to be closed over the weekend while repairs are ongoing (Image: NQ)

Barriers and warning signs have been erected around the affected area to keep vehicles and pedestrians away, with drivers urged to use alternative routes while repair and stabilisation work continues.

United Utilities had earlier confirmed a technician was on site within an hour of the initial report and said investigations were underway to determine whether the issue fell within the company’s remit.

As the incident unfolded, workers from Sure Pile Ltd assisted with traffic management and road safety measures at the scene.