Vicarage Road by Watford ring road shut due to 'sinkhole'

The busy route has been closed from the junction with Merton Road to the ring road.

There were concerns the road may be shut until Friday (February 4) but Hertfordshire County Council has carry out an investigation and believes it can resolve the issue today.

The road is expected to fully reopen this afternoon (February 2), Central Watford county councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst says.

Drivers are able to leave the ring road and join Vicarage Road, he added.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor initially tweeted this morning: "Vicarage Road from Merton to Exchange Road is closed due to sinkhole outside Victoria House, opposite Watford Grammar School for Girls.

"Probably closed until Friday whilst Hertfordshire Highways investigate. Traffic delays likely."

Vicarage Rd from Merton to Exchange Road is closed due to sinkhole outside Victoria House, opposite @WatfordGirls. Probably closed until Friday whilst @Herts_Highways investigate. Traffic delays likely.@Observer_Owl @VIBE1076 @mylocalnews_uk @BBC3CR

— Peter Taylor (@WatfordMayor) February 2, 2022

Passenger transport information service Intalink says bus services 10, 320, 520, 635, and WI will not serve the bus stop at Vicarage Road and Wiggenhall Road, with customers advised to board using stops in the town centre or on the ring road.

Emergency Road Closure: Vicarage Road, #Watford. Currently closed until Friday 4th February 24/7. Services 10, 320, 520, 635 & W1 will not serve Vicarage Road Wiggenhall Road. Board using Town Centre or Exchange Road bus stops.

— Passenger Transport (@Intalink) February 2, 2022

The closure of Vicarage Road is marked. Credit: Google Maps