Reopening a road that had to be closed when a void appeared under the surface will come sooner than first expected.

Traffic remains blocked in both directions between Stratford Road and St Albans Road in Langley Road, Watford, after the sinkhole forming was discovered opposite the Southern Cross pub on Friday morning (June 27).

Confirming that “an area of subsidence” had been found in the hatched area in the middle of the carriageway, Hertfordshire County Council said it would need to investigate what caused the issue as well as its extent before it could say how long repairs would take.

The initial depression in the road, above the void.The initial depression in the road, above the "void". (Image: Stephen Danzig)

The works in Langley Road at the weekend.The works in Langley Road at the weekend. (Image: Stephen Danzig)

Staff at the Southern Cross were apparently warned it could take weeks, but the council said it would only know for sure after investigations were completed on Saturday.

This afternoon (July 1), a spokesperson said crews had worked over the weekend to repair the road and it is now expected to reopen “before rush hour this evening”.

“A drainage pipe beneath the road had dropped, opening up the joints and allowing water to flow into the soil below the road,” they explained.

Pipe in the Langley Road hole during the works.Pipework in the Langley Road hole during the works. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)

“This caused a soft spot, and subsequently the depression in the road. The pipe has been repaired, and the saturated soil replaced, before the affected area of the road was reconstructed.

“The road markings are being replaced this morning, after which the road will be reopened.”

The hold, filled in, in Langley Road, Watford.The hold, filled in, in Langley Road, Watford. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)

The Southern Cross is currently inaccessible to vehicles from the front, but they can enter through the back. The pavement has not been blocked.