8:23pm Wednesday 21st July 2010
By Lucy Richardson
A MANHOLE on a major traffic route through the region has collapsed two weeks before it was due to be removed.
A lane on the westbound carriageway of the A66 in Middlesbrough gave way this afternoon near the Newport Interchange.
The affected lane has been closed to allow contractors to assess the extent of the problem, while the two outer lanes remained open.
Work was due to start next month on the removal of a number of manholes on the A66 carriageway which is still due to take place.
Councillor Paul Thompson, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Streetscene Services and Transport, said the problem had arisen only a fortnight before the manhole replacement programme was due to start.
"We're assessing the extent of the problem now and will get this manhole and the others affected replaced with as little disruption as possible," he said.
"The improvements to the road network in that area have made a huge difference, and I'd like to thank motorists for their continued patience."
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/trade_directory/