Plumstead Road in Norwich will not open until next week because of six-metre hole

The 'sinkhole' which appeared late last week in Plumstead Road, Norwich, will keep it closed to traffic until at least next Wednesday.

Plumstead Road in Norwich shut off because of a hole discovered by contractors laying cables.PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY - Credit: SIMON FINLAY

Tests conducted by Norwich City Council over the weekend determined the hole would be best fixed with foam concrete - a light substance that will fill the entirety of the hole.

Work to fill the hole will begin this Wednesday, but it's anticipated it will take at least a week for the road to be re-opened.

Discovered by BT workers last Tuesday, the hole will Plumstead Road closed to traffic for almost a fortnight if reopened when planned.

'We have been working with Norfolk County Council's laboratory, which has confirmed that the hole is confined to this particular part of the road,' a Norwich City Council spokesperson said.

The foam concrete set to be used by council workers is lighter and more free-flowing than normal concrete, making it ideal for filling gaps while also reducing the weight placed on the ground beneath.

Some experts last week believed the hole may have been caused by the collapse of an old flint mine beneath the road, but the council said there had been no obvious cause determined for the hole appearing.

Norwich City Council have apologised for the lengthy delay caused to motorists, saying safety has been their number one priority throughout.