Sinkhole opens on Roebourne street

A sinkhole has opened up on Roebourne’s main street today, prompting traffic to be diverted.

The sinkhole, in the road near the Roebourne basketball courts, was reported to police by a member of the public early this afternoon.

Two police officers were earlier diverting traffic at the scene as a Main Roads crew was on their way to assess it.

Traffic is now flowing freely with a detour set up around the site.

Roebourne police said the sinkhole was not wide, with an opening only about the size of a dinner plate, but was deep and went down for several feet.

They also believe the opening continues underneath the road for some way.

Main Roads Pilbara customer service manager Skye Miller said their maintenance crew would be starting work this afternoon to repair the hole.

She said Main Roads’ initial assessment was the hole had been caused by a disused piece of equipment under the road’s surface.

“It was some sort of old service that was underneath the road, so we’re trying to figure out what it is,” she said.

“The likelihood is it’s a pipe that’s deteriorated.”

“There are no major delays at the moment and we’re hoping that it should all be re-opened soon.”

Roebourne police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Gemma Hennigan advised motorists and pedestrians travelling through town to slow down and be careful in the area.

She said police believed the hole may have been exposed by erosion or long-term wear and tear from rain.