NewsUK NewsSinkholeA Surrey high street has finally reopened 18 months after a giant sinkhole swallowed part of the road, forcing engineers to use 1,100 tonnes of grout to fill the hole18:16, 31 Jul 2026A giant sinkhole that swallowed part of a high street has finally been filled 18 months after it first appeared.‌The sinkhole that forced dozens of people from their homes and brought a Surrey high street to a standstill has finally been repaired after an 18-month operation. Godstone High Street reopened on Thursday after months of work to fill and stabilise a maze of Victorian mining tunnels beneath the road using about 1,100 tonnes of grout.‌The 65ft crater suddenly opened on February 17, 2025, forcing about 30 homes to be evacuated, shutting businesses and cutting off one of the town’s busiest roads. For residents, the past 18 months meant lengthy diversions, constant construction work and a struggle for many local businesses that relied on passing trade.‌Local Holly Harrington, 24, said it was a relief to see the road reopen. She said: “I have just been walking up and down the high street which is nice. We had to do a diversion around it every time. It is just so nice to see it open. There are a lot of happy faces and a lot of happy drivers.”Engineers spent months making the area safe before discovering an extensive 19th-century mine network beneath the High Street, delaying the final reconstruction. About 1,100 tonnes of grout were eventually used to fill and stabilise the underground workings before damaged water pipes were replaced and the road and pavements rebuilt.‌Matt Furniss, from Surrey County Council, said: “I am delighted that our work to repair and resurface the roads affected by the Godstone road collapse was completed earlier this month. I would like to thank residents and businesses for their patience while we have dealt with this challenging incident.“Fundamentally, our focus has always been on getting this right to ensure the area is safe and stable for local people, and those travelling through the area.”Article continues belowSES Water later completed work replacing damaged eight-inch and 16-inch water mains before the High Street reopened. A spokesperson said: “Godstone High Street will reopen on Friday 31 July following the completion of our water main replacement works.“The project involved extensive ground investigations, the installation of new 8-inch and 16-inch water mains and final testing and commissioning of the network. We’d like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience while this essential work was carried out.”Earlier this year, resident Toria Willson, 50, described the impact the closure had on daily life. She said: “It has been a pain for the last year. The whole area has become a bit of a car park for lorries and vans. It is just a mess. It is just incredible to think in this country that it has taken such a long time.”Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Car parksSinkhole