Sinkhole closes Taunton Road

A sinkhole on Taunton Road closed part of the route and drew police and council response.

Sinkhole closes Taunton Road in Ashton under Lyne

A section of Taunton Road in Ashton under Lyne has been shut since Saturday evening between Oldham Road and Buttermere Road after a sinkhole opened up. Images show a hole in the road with orange barriers on one side and traffic cones on the other as initial inspections began on Saturday night. Greater Manchester Police helped coordinate the response with Tameside council while engineers assess the site and plan any repairs.

Residents described the moment as surprising and disruptive. Graphic designer Arvind Mistry, 61, said it looked blocked when he returned home, and neighbour Barry Germain, 86, recalled the moment as a shock as work crews and police moved to secure the area. Council staff were seen on site alongside barriers and fencing as the investigation proceeds. No timetable for reopening has been announced yet, and authorities say further assessments will determine the next steps.

The incident underscores how quickly a single road can become a fault line for a community. A sinkhole on a busy street not only halts daily routines but also tests the capacity of local services to respond calmly and efficiently. It hints at underlying issues in urban infrastructure such as drainage and ground stability that can be exacerbated by weather and wear over time.

Officials face a careful balance between rapid safety measures and clear communication about causes and timelines. While residents look for answers, planners must consider the impact on traffic patterns, local businesses, and the broader network. The unfolding situation may prompt stricter inspections and a renewed push for maintenance funding, even as the exact cause remains undetermined.

Highlights

Authorities will monitor the site as they investigate the cause and plan repairs.