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In Pictures: Whole road dug up after sinkhole appears on Moray street

Moray Council initially expected the street to only be closed for one week.

Collage image showing small initial Dufftown sinkhole on left, and large trench now dug up on Fife Street.
A large section of Fife Street in Dufftown has now been dug up after the initial sinkhole, pictured left, appeared. Image: DC Thomson

A Dufftown road remains closed more than three weeks after a sinkhole appeared.

It was initially estimated Fife Street would be shut for only one week after a leaking water pipe underground caused it to collapse.

That timescale was later revised to today, however, a large trench remains on the street with no work crews at the scene to complete the job.

The latest estimate is that the road will be reopened to traffic by the end of this week.

It is understood the Dufftown sinkhole was caused by a water pipe leaking, potentially for years, under the road.

Fife Street completely blocked by barriers. Within barriers is long deep trench showing new pipe and mounds of rubble to left.
Fife Street is completely blocked to drivers. Image: David Mackay/DC Thomson

Eventually, enough of the surface underneath Fife Street became undermined to cause it to collapse.

Residents have reported the Fife Street sinkhole emerged just days after heavy rain, which also caused flooding in nearby Aberlour, poured down the Dufftown road.

Scottish Water crews have already replaced a large section of pipe under the road.

Water filled the sinkhole when it first appeared. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

Drivers ignoring Dufftown sinkhole road closure

While work is continuing on the Fife Street sinkhole, residents have reported drivers in Dufftown ignoring road closed and diversion signs between The Square and Crachie junctions.

In a 30-minute period today, one lorry and one car were seen driving past the initial signs warning the road was shut before having to reverse.

Two signs at The Square in Dufftown. One pointing left signalling the diversion, the other saying "road ahead closed access only".
Drivers are ignoring signs at The Square in Dufftown warning about the Fife Street sinkhole closure. Image: David Mackay/DC Thomson

One resident reported seeing drivers even removing the traffic cones blocking Fife Street before realising they are unable to get past.

Meanwhile, significant damage has also been caused to the pavement next to the sinkhole with large sections appearing worn away and undermined.

A Scottish Water spokeswoman said: “Works have been ongoing to repair a collapsed sewer at Fife Street in Dufftown.

“This week backfilling and reinstatement of the road is due to take place, and we anticipate the site being fully cleared by Friday.

“We thank customers for their patience and understanding while the repair has been under way, which we appreciate may have caused some disruption.”

In pictures: Fife Street sinkhole

Large trench in Fife Street showing the new pipe underground.
A large section of new pipe has been laid on Fife Street. Image: David Mackay/DC Thomson
Close-up of new section of pipe.
It is understood the old pipe on Fife Street could have been leaking for some time. Image: David Mackay/DC Thomson
Traffic cones blocking entry to Fife Street with a "road closed" sign.
The entry into Dufftown from the A941 Cabrach road is blocked. Image: David Mackay/DC Thomson
Close-up of cracked pavement on Fife Street.
Sections of pavement next to the sinkhole have also been undermined. Image: David Mackay/DC Thomson
Worn pavement next to where sinkhole emerged.
The pavement next to where the road has been dug up has been worn away. Image: David Mackay/DC Thomson

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