Large CBD sinkhole shuts down section of Collins St

Robot cameras have been used to determine what caused a 3m-deep sinkhole to open up on Collins St, but repairs on the ritzy shopping strip will take much longer than initially expected.

A major sinkhole in Melbourne’s CBD is now expected to shut Collins St until next week.

City of Melbourne council workers are urgently trying to repair the road surface and drainage system after a large hole developed early on Tuesday morning.

In an update on Wednesday, a Melbourne council spokeswoman said the eastbound end of Collins St, between Queen and Elizabeth streets, remained closed.

“Crews are continuing to work on the roadway and drainage on Collins St,” she said.

“We expect the road to reopen on Monday.”

City workers have blocked off the area. Picture: Sarah Matray

Collins St will remain closed until Wednesday. Picture: Sarah Matray

The sinkhole was caused by a cracked drain. Picture: Sarah Matray

Repair works are underway. Picture: Sarah Matray

CCTV drainage robot cameras confirmed the sinkhole was caused by a cracked barrel drain underneath the road.

The hole is 2m by 2m wide and about 3m deep sinkhole and opened up 100m west of the Elizabeth St intersection, outside 330 Collins St.

VicRoads have advised cars to use Bourke and Lonsdale streets.

Trams are unaffected and continue to run along Collins St.

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