Sink hole ‘the size of three houses’ found under road
A LARGE hole the “size of three houses” has been found beneath the surface of a main Gower road.
The busy road was closed on Wednesday after it was found to be at risk of “imminent collapse” because of a hole beneath its surface.
The void was found below south Gower road between Nicholaston Farm in Penmaen and the turn-off to Oxwich.
According to Swansea council, the hole is as big as three terraced houses and is just a few feet below the surface.
It extends for the whole width of the road, but cannot be seen from the surface.
The council is now working with specialists to find the quickest way to fill the hole and stabilise the road.
Until then it is unknown how long the road will be shut.
The carriageway was shut at around noon on Wednesday after the extent of the problem was discovered by engineers.
They were undertaking a geotechnical survey of the area, to find the cause of a dip in the road.
It was during this process that a much larger hole was discovered.
But the council received reports that some “irresponsible motorists” were removing the road closure signs.
It said in a statement: “The road from the surface looks sound but it is in danger of collapse and these people are risking their lives and those of others. Please do not travel on this section of the road.”
Diversions were put in place directing traffic heading into Swansea via Reynoldston, Cefn Bryn and the north Gower road.
This route will operate in the reverse direction for traffic travelling the other way.
According to the council, this type of void is quite common and generally down to localised ground water erosion of the limestone. They can affect farmers’ fields, property and road surfaces in areas like Gower.
Councillor Mark Thomas, Swansea Council’s cabinet member for environment enhancement and infrastructure management, said: “Our first priority is to keep people safe.
“There is a very real danger that the road could collapse at any time so there is no choice but to keep it shut until we can stabilise the ground and make the carriageway safe.
“The council is very aware of the importance of this route to residents and businesses and completing this work as soon as possible is a priority for our highways department.
“We are continuing to work with our consultants and are looking at engaging a specialist contractor to stabilise the road.
“It is vital in the meantime that no one uses the section that has been closed. Concrete blockades are in place to ensure that this does not happen.”
All affected school buses travelling to Bishopston Comprehensive from the west (Oxwich side) of closure are being rerouted along the official diversion with one making a detour to serve Lunnon.
The 723 service which starts in Horton usually picks up children from both sides of the closed section but Davies Coaches is providing an additional midicoach for pupils living in Nicholaston, Penmaen and Parkmill.
Public transport buses operated by Adventure Travel that use the route will also divert via Reynoldston, Cefn Bryn and the North Gower Road, and vice versa.
This does mean that they will not be going through Penmaen, Parkmill and Cannisland Park but Swansea council said it is working with operators to provide a facility for these areas in the next few days.
Businesses in the area, including Gower Heritage Centre, Gower Inn and shops, are still open and will continue to trade.
The road from the surface looks sound but it is in danger of collapse and these people are risking their lives and those of others. Please do not travel on this section of the road – Swansea council
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