Complex repairs to a sinkhole that appeared in Station Road, Castle Cary, have been successfully completed with the road reopening to traffic today (Friday 14 August), Somerset Council confirmed.
Temporary traffic lights were first installed in July 2024 after a hole appeared in the carriageway. An initial attempt to repair what appeared to be a localised depression in the road revealed a much more complex issue involving the culvert beneath the road and nearby utility services. The restricted watercourse could not be fully examined until the road was excavated.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Highways and Transport, said:
I am delighted the road is reopening. I know the repairs have taken longer than expected but we had to fully understand the conditions under the road and deliver a safe, long-lasting solution.
We do recognise the disruption caused and I’d like to thank everyone affected by the works for their patience and understanding while these essential repairs were carried out.
As investigations progressed, we and our contractor adapted the design to the conditions found on site, resulting in a robust repair that will protect the highway for years to come.
This was a particularly complex engineering project, requiring deep excavation, extensive investigation and close coordination with utility companies and other partners. Several utility services were located close to the excavation, so carefully designed temporary works had to be installed before the permanent repair could begin.
Tom Stockley, Operations Manager for Kier in Somerset, who helped design and deliver the works, said:
This was a complex and challenging scheme which required careful planning, detailed investigation and close collaboration throughout. The team worked hard to adapt the design as conditions on site became clearer, ensuring we could deliver a safe, robust and long-term repair for Station Road.
Throughout the works, Somerset Council worked with developers, utility companies and local stakeholders to minimise disruption and complete the repair safely and effectively.
The reopening of Station Road restores normal access through this important part of Castle Cary and marks the successful completion of a challenging engineering scheme.
