The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Road still closed weeks after sinkhole appears
ADufftown road remains closed more than three weeks after a sinkhole appeared. Moray Council initially estimated Fife Street would be shut for only one week after a leaking water pipe underground caused it to collapse.
That timescale was later revised to yesterday. However, a large trench remains on the street with no work crews at the scene to complete the job.
The latest estimate is that the road will be reopened to traffic by the end of this week.
It is understood the Dufftown sinkhole was caused by a water pipe leaking, potentially for years, under the road.
Eventually, enough of the surface underneath Fife
Street became undermined to cause it to collapse.
Residents have reported the Fife Street sinkhole emerged just days after heavy rain, which also caused flooding in nearby Aberlour, poured down the Dufftown road.
Scottish Water crews have already replaced a large section of pipe under the road.
While work is continuing on the Fife Street sinkhole, residents have reported drivers in Dufftown ignoring road closed and diversion signs between The Square and Crachie junctions.
In a 30-minute period yesterday, one lorry and one car were seen driving past the initial signs warning the road was shut before having to reverse.
One resident reported seeing drivers even removing the traffic cones blocking Fife Street before realising they are unable to get past.
Meanwhile, significant damage has also been caused to the pavement next to the sinkhole with large sections appearing worn away and undermined.
A Scottish Water spokeswoman said: “Works have been ongoing to repair a collapsed sewer at Fife Street in Dufftown.
“This week backfilling and reinstatement of the road is due to take place, and we anticipate the site being fully cleared by Friday.
“We thank customers for their patience and understanding, which we appreciate may have caused some disruption.”