TRAFFIC chaos ensued after a sinkhole emerged metres from a busy city centre roundabout.

Highways bosses were forced to close a lane on the dual-carriageway at Balkerne Hill, in Colchester, after the hazard was spotted by motorists on Wednesday.

Essex Highways, which maintains the county’s roads, cordoned the area off shortly after 11.30am as workers prepared to undertake emergency digs to remedy the issue.

Crews remained at the scene metres from the Maldon Road roundabout yesterday while Colchester became gridlocked as the impact was widely felt.

Traffic was backlogged through Westway to as far back as its feeder road at the Avenue of Remembrance at Cymbeline Way.

Crouch Street, which serves most of the town’s bus services, saw major delays while traffic moving westward towards Lexden Road was slow moving.

A statement first released by Essex Highways on Wednesday read: “We are aware of a sink hole that has appeared at the top of Balkerne Hill, and have made the area safe.

Gazette: Issue - the sinkhole in Balkerne HillIssue - the sinkhole in Balkerne Hill

“We apologise for any traffic delays however, our priority is to keep road users safe while we investigate the cause.”

The highways chiefs confirmed excavations began yesterday morning in order to fix the sinkhole.

A Tweet from Essex Highways stated: “After reviewing underground utilities and checking with one of our utilities services technicians, we have started carrying out excavations on Balkerne Hill.

It is understood the void is likely to be an old cellar, and Essex Highways said it was assessing the most suitable reinstatement method.

Those works are due to take place tomorrow.

Fed-up motorists reacted to the days of disruption, with one resident arguing it shows a lack of preparation for Colchester becoming a city.

Anthony Phillips said: “When isn't there any delays on the roads of Colchester? An extra traffic cone, lights or closed road and the whole area grinds to a halt”.

Cheryl Townson added: “Traffic has been queued up. On Cymbeline way at the roadworks the lights are stuck on red and there was also a crash.

“I can see why there are more accidents, drivers are trying to look at the road to avoid the potholes everywhere instead of looking at the cars on the roads.

“The roads in Colchester are disgraceful and yet the council are still allowing more houses to be built everywhere with no thought about road infrastructure.”

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “Although regular monthly inspections are carried out in Balkerne Hill, Colchester, we were alerted via a report using our ‘Tell us’ tool to an area near Crouch Street that had subsided.

Gazette: Closed - the laneClosed - the lane

“Following an inspection, it was decided a lane closure was required to keep road users safe while we investigated nearby underground utilities and one of our Utility Services Technicians could attend.

“No issues were found and so today we have excavated the road to determine the cause of the void and to make the appropriate repairs.

“We believe the void is likely to be an old cellar and we are currently assessing the most suitable reinstatement method. We hope reinstatement works will take place on Friday."