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CLOSED: The dual carriageway is set to be shut for more than a week
One side of a dual carriageway in Crawley where a "sink hole" has emerged is expected to be closed for more than a week, it has been revealed this morning (Monday).

It appeared yesterday afternoon (Sunday) on the northbound side of the A23 (London Road) between the Fleming Way roundabout, where Astral Towers is based, and the roundabout for Lowfield Heath, close to Gatwick Airport.

A Thames Water spokeswoman described the hole as a "void" as it had been caused by a pressured pipe leaking, rather than a sinkhole, as they occur naturally.

She added: "Thames Water engineers are investigating a leak on a large pressurised sewer pipe beneath the A23 between Crawley and Gatwick Airport.

"The A23 will be closed northbound between the Fleming Way and Lowfield Heath roundabouts.

"Thames Water is working with West Sussex County Council and emergency services to put diversions in place.

"The closure is expected to last beyond this week while investigations continue.

"We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and will open the road as soon as it is safe to do so."

Thames Water have previously said that a large sewer pipe under the A23 started leaking, causing the hole.

Engineers working on the leak noticed "subsidence" in the road.

Crawley Borough Council had also said last night that there were concerns that the southern carriageway could start to sag too, but that is open at present.