Prestwich sinkhole repairs extend Heywood Road closure, Manchester 2026

Key Points

• Repairs to sinkholes at Prestwich will mean that a section of Heywood Road remains closed for several more weeks.
• The closure has been extended to include the roundabout where the road meets Heys Road.
• United Utilities expects the current phase of work to take around two weeks.
• A burst sewer pipe has been identified as being behind the ground instability.
• Contractors will replace and strengthen further lengths of sewer pipe using lining.
• Paths on either side of the closed area of road will be reinstated once the sewer work is completed.
• The diversion route will be Heywood Road, Scholes Lane and Bury Old Road, and back.
• The road will not be reopened until it is considered safe to do so by Bury Council.
• Prestwich lies mainly on sandy soil, which can move if the leak washes soil away.
• United Utilities claims the work will reduce the possibility of further sinkholes in the future.

Manchester (Manchester Mirror) October 10, 2026 — A major road in Prestwich will remain shut to vehicles for several more weeks as United Utilities continues repairs following the emergence of a sinkhole on Heywood Road.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News, part of Heywood Road was closed last month after a large section of pavement began to deform. Investigations established that a ruptured sewer pipe was responsible, leading United Utilities to begin repair work in the area.

The disruption is now set to continue after the closure was extended to include the roundabout junction with Heys Road. A United Utilities spokesperson said the closures are expected to remain in place for up to two weeks.

What work is United Utilities carrying out in Prestwich?

United Utilities says it is taking what it describes as a “proactive” approach to strengthen the sewer network in the affected part of Prestwich. The work involves replacing additional sections of pipe and reinforcing them with lining.

According to the company, significant sections of the work have already been completed beneath Heys Road. Once the sewer repairs are finished, contractors will restore the footpaths along the affected route.

A spokesperson for United Utilities said:

“The sandy conditions in the town can lead to movement and exert extra pressure on the sewer system, particularly in high-traffic areas. We are adopting a proactive strategy to ensure the sewer network’s future stability. This involves replacing and reinforcing a longer section of the sewer to enhance its durability.”

The spokesperson added:

“While this work is in progress, it has become necessary to close part of Heywood Road and implement a designated diversion route. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the understanding of our customers during this crucial work.”

How long will the Prestwich road closure last?

The latest closure at the Heywood Road and Heys Road junction is expected to last for up to two weeks, according to United Utilities. However, the wider repair programme and restoration of footpaths mean the overall disruption on Heywood Road is expected to continue for several weeks.

Bury Council confirmed that the closure has been extended so contractors can reach further sections of the sewer network and carry out additional work intended to prevent future problems.

A council representative said: “The ongoing repairs and road closure on Heywood Road are part of the continued efforts being made by Utilities. Closure has extended to the junction with Heys Road so that contractors can access further sections of the sewer network and conduct additional work to avert future complications.”

The council added: “The road will only reopen when it is deemed safe after all necessary work has been completed.”

Which diversion route is in place for Heywood Road?

Drivers are being directed to use a designated diversion route while the closure remains in force. Bury Council said the route runs via Heywood Road, Scholes Lane and Bury Old Road, and vice versa.

The council acknowledged the impact of the closure on people travelling through the area. It said: “We understand the disruption this situation is causing for residents, businesses, and travellers in the area, and we appreciate their patience as the work continues.”

Why has Prestwich had repeated sinkhole problems?

Prestwich has seen a number of sinkholes appear beneath its streets in recent years. According to information reported by the Manchester Evening News, the town is largely built on sandy soil.

When leaks occur, sand can be washed away, reducing the stability of the ground. This movement beneath pipes can increase pressure on the sewer network and contribute to further damage.

United Utilities believes that reinforcing sewers in key locations will make the network stronger while allowing some flexibility in the soft ground. The company says the current programme is intended to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents happening again.

Background of the development

The latest closure follows the discovery last month of ground deformation along Heywood Road, where a substantial area of pavement began to move. Investigations identified a ruptured sewer pipe as the cause, prompting United Utilities to begin repairs.

The situation forms part of a wider pattern of sinkhole activity in Prestwich, where sandy ground conditions have previously been linked to instability around underground pipes. United Utilities says its current approach involves replacing and lining longer sections of sewer in high-pressure areas to improve resilience. The work has already progressed beneath Heys Road, with further sections now being accessed through the extended closure at the Heywood Road junction.

Prediction: How will this affect Prestwich residents and businesses?

For residents, the extended closure is likely to mean continued journey delays, particularly for drivers using Heywood Road and the surrounding junctions. The diversion through Scholes Lane and Bury Old Road may increase traffic on alternative routes while the sewer repairs continue.

Local businesses could face further disruption if customers avoid the area because of access difficulties, although the council has asked travellers for patience while the safety-critical work is completed. If United Utilities completes the pipe replacement and lining work as planned, the reinforcement may reduce the chance of further sinkhole-related closures in this part of Prestwich, but the road will remain shut until the council considers it safe to reopen.