Motorists are being advised that Kingshill Road will remain closed for the foreseeable future after a collapsed sewer created a large void underneath the road.
An area of subsidence was initially found in the middle of the carriageway between Clifton Street and Bowood Road and, due to the size and location, resulted in the road being closed to through traffic on Thursday (30 June) morning on safety grounds.
However, on further investigation the problem is worse than expected and Thames Water is now carrying out emergency repairs after water from the collapsed sewer caused erosion of the sub base.
Investigations will continue to determine how much of the carriageway is affected.
The road will remain closed until further notice and drivers are being advised to use the official diversion route which will take motorists via Wichelstowe from Bath Road on to Devizes Road, Croft Road, Black Horse Way, Foxham Way, Peglars Way, Redpost Drive and Wootton Bassett Road.
Access will be maintained for residents and pedestrians.
Due to the nature of the work it is too early to give an indication of when the road will be reopened to through traffic, but Thames Water will be working over the weekend and the Council will update motorists when the road is ready to be reopened.