A SINKHOLE has forced the closure of a major junction this morning.

Highways bosses have implemented an emergency road closure in Heywood Road in Prestwich at its junction with Bury New Road.

The road is likely to be shut for at least two days.

In a statement Bury Council said: "Due to a collapsed carriageway at the junction of Heywood Road and Bury New Road we have closed the road to carry out emergency investigations and repairs. Diversions are in place via Heys Road and Bury Old Road and temporary multiway-traffic lights will be in place on Bury Old Road.

"Please allow extra time for your journey. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

"We expect the road to reopen on Friday 27 August, but this is subject to change."

This is the second sinkhole to have opened up in Prestwich with two months.

A section of the carriageway in Bury New Road collapsed in July between Richmond Avenue and Buckingham Road.

Prestwich is said to prone to developing sinkholes as it is built on sand and loam soil and water pipe leaks can 'very quickly' lead to a cavity appearing in the road surface.