Mancunian Way: Road closed after huge sinkhole reopens during repair work

One of Manchester's busiest roads has been closed in both directions after a huge sinkhole - which first caused travel chaos in August - started to "expand".

The hole - estimated to be around 40ft deep - appeared in Mancunian Way after heavy rain on August 14.

Engineers working to repair the road said the hole had started to expand again early on Tuesday morning.

Greater Manchester Police's traffic division confirmed the "worsening sinkhole" had forced the closure of the road between Fairfield Street and London Road.

In a statement, Stagecoach Buses warned commuters to expect delays:

A Manchester City Council spokesman said: "Motorists are being advised that the westbound carriageway of the Mancunian Way has been closed for safety reasons. This is because a hole has appeared within the existing work compound, in an area that was being excavated to repair the original highway collapse, and it is possible that this hole may extend under the westbound carriageway. The westbound carriageway was recently reopened, with a contraflow enabling traffic to travel in both directions.

"We are working closely with United Utilities to make sure this can be made safe as an urgent priority, enabling repair work on the wider highway collapse to continue, and get the westbound carriageway reopened as quickly as possible. Diversions which have been in place since the end of August will remain and signing will be reinforced. Motorists travelling to tonight's Manchester City versus Juventus game at the Etihad Stadium are being urged to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time to get to the ground." Diversions:

London Road, Fairfield Street, A665, Hyde Road and Downing Street.

Motorists can still use the Mancunian Way in both directions between the Chester Road roundabout and the junction with London Road.