A city centre road has been shut after a 6ft-deep sinkhole opened up.
Southern Water and Kent Highways were called to a suspected collapsed sewer near The Three Tuns pub in Watling Street, Canterbury this evening (Wednesday).
The road is closed to traffic between the St Margaret’s Street and Rose Lane junctions.
It is understood engineers arrived at the scene shortly after 4.30pm.
It is not yet known when the route will reopen.
Although not yet officially confirmed, it is understood a sewer may have collapsed underneath the broken surface.
On urban roads, sinkholes are often linked to failing underground infrastructure.
Leaking or burst water mains can wash away soil beneath the asphalt, leaving a cavity that eventually gives way under the weight of traffic.
Broken sewers, poorly maintained drains and ageing pipes can have the same effect, while heavy rain or flooding can speed up the erosion.
Repeated roadworks and constant vibration from vehicles may then weaken the surface further, until it suddenly collapses.
Kent Highways and Southern Water have been contacted for more information.
