A HUGE sinkhole has appeared in a road with a burst water main seeing it closed in both directions.

Witnesses say a section of Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh, collapsed during the early hours of yesterday morning (May 9) - with passersby snapping up the picture above around 8am on Sunday.

The road continues to be affected both ways from the junction at Rawreth Lane, with the AA confirming "work is ongoing to fix a repair".

It's believed the section of Hullbridge Road is due to be shut for at least four days to repair the road, although this is yet to be confirmed.

Delays are likely, while buses from Stephensons of Essex have also been affected.

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In a letter to affected students and parents, they said: "As you may be aware, the road between Hullbridge and Rayleigh is closed due to a burst water main.

"This will have an impact on services 515 (Stambridge to Sweyne Park) and 816 (Ashingdon to St Bernards via Westcliff High School).

"As a result of the above, Lower Hockley, Hullbrigde, Rawreth Lane/Hullbridge Road and Downhall Road will not be served in the morning.

"In the afternoon Hullbridge Road and Lower Road will not be served.

"The following will take place:

  • Service 816 (Mornings) - Any student who boards in Hullbridge should make their way to Hockley Spa to board either 815 (0753) or 816 (0738). Any student who boards at Rawreth Lane or Downhall Road should make their way to Rayleigh Station for 0755 (816).
  • Service 816 (Afternoon) - Will terminate at Rawreth Lane. Students for Hullbridge and Ashingdon will need to board the 815 which will be extended for the duration.
  • Service 515 (Morning) - Any student who boards in Hullbridge can either go to Hockley Spa (0803) or make their own way to the school.
  • Service 515 (Afternoon) - Students for Hullbridge will be dropped off at Hockley Spa at 1525.

"These alterations will remain in place until such time as Hullbridge Road reopens."

Essex Highways and Essex & Suffolk Water have been contacted for comment.

UPDATE: 

(1.33pm) A spokesperson for Essex & Suffolk Water “We are currently working to repair a burst water pipe on Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh.

“Damage to the road surface means we have had to close the road in both directions. The work needed to restore the road means that this closure is likely to remain in place until the middle of the week and a detour is in place.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Updates are available on our Twitter account @eswater_care.”