Mystery as the road is torn and twisted by “unexplained underground traffic” – as drivers continue to use it despite millions of pounds of damage
- Part of B4069 near Lyneham in Wiltshire is heavily distorted
- Parts of the distorted asphalt are broken and even aimed at 45 degrees
- The damage was caused by hitherto unexplained underground movements
- Earthquake-like damage has damaged the road since February 17
The repair of a torn road could cost millions after mysterious underground movements left it so distorted that it looked as if it had been hit by an earthquake.
Part of B4069 near Lyneham in Wiltshire is so badly damaged that the asphalt is completely broken or at a 45 degree angle.
The Wiltshire Council says the road has been closed since February 17, but police say some drivers are still trying to use it.
The earthquake-like damage was caused by unexplained underground movements, which will now be investigated.
Locals say the landslide has worsened in the past year and a landslide is inevitable.
A distorted section of B4069 near Lyneham in Wiltshire has left residents wondering exactly what underground processes could cause earthquake-like damage.
Experts will investigate the cause of the heavy landslide, which left parts of the road cracked and protruding at an angle of 45 degrees
The section of road has been closed since February 17, although the Wiltshire council says some drivers continue to use it
The Wiltshire Council said it was now awaiting a report from geotechnical experts before taking further action.
Dr Mark McClelland, a member of the cabinet of the Wiltshire Transport Council, told BBC Radio Wiltshire: “It could cost hundreds of thousands or even millions. [to fix].
“There is significant damage on the road. In total it can be up to 12 months. This is not something that can be resolved in a few days or weeks.
Dr McClelland added that in some places the road was “curved” to four feet and the descriptions of what looked like an earthquake were accurate.
Repairing the damage could cost millions of pounds, leaving drivers to stray for a year, according to Dr Mark McClelland, a cabinet member of the Wiltshire Transport Council
Wiltshire Council awaits report from geotechnical experts before proceeding with repairs so they can understand what led to the distorted topography
He added: “The main base has slipped and we need to understand why this happened.
“The police were very adamant that it was very dangerous for drivers to ignore the signs.”
Notable damage also affected local businesses, with local pubs such as Peterborough Arms suffering huge losses on bookings after closing.
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