A major emergency has been declared on one of Cambridgeshire's key routes after a colossal 79-metre-long sinkhole dramatically opened up, rendering the road completely impassable.
The A1101 at Welney has been shut down indefinitely in both directions due to serious safety fears, with the tarmac crumbling away near the local petrol station. The sheer scale of the chasm has left authorities and residents in a state of shock.
An urgent warning has been issued by the National Highways East, stating: "The A1101 in Welney is closed in both directions between the B1098 and the A1101 B1093 Creek Road due to the road surface collapsing."
They have implemented a full closure with clear signed diversions to guide stranded motorists. The advised detour is as follows:
- Northbound traffic: Exit the A1101 at the B1093 Creek Road, proceed onto the B1098 and then the A10, before rejoining at the A1101.
- Southbound traffic: Follow the same route but in reverse.
Local reports and social media images reveal a terrifying scene, with a vast section of the road having completely given way. The cause of the sudden collapse is now under urgent investigation by engineers, who are assessing the stability of the surrounding ground.
There is currently no estimated time for repairs, with the road expected to remain closed for the foreseeable future. Drivers are being urged to avoid the area entirely, plan alternative routes, and allow for significant additional journey time.
