Bus diversions as sinkhole opens up on street

A Newcastle city centre street has closed to traffic after a sinkhole opened up in the road.

- DANIEL HALL

Market Street East closed to traffic on Tuesday night after Stagecoach reported a “sinkhole” had opened up in the road surface. The street, which is only open to buses, is expected to be closed until Monday as work is carried out on the road surface.

Northumbrian Water says it has seen several bursts in the area in recent days and it is working with Newcastle City Council to identify a root cause.

Diversions are in place for bus services and Stagecoach has warned passengers that services are likely to be delayed.

The closure is next to the Pilgrim's Quarter development, which is set to house 9,000 civil servants when it is tipped to open in 2027.