Sinkhole repairs completed but road dip prompts further investigation in Littlehampton
Further repairs have been completed after a dip was left in a Littlehampton road, following work to fill-in a sinkhole.
West Sussex County Council’s highways contractor returned to Maxwell Road – on Tuesday (July 21) – to investigate the cause of the dip, and carry out any necessary remedial works.
A photo taken shortly before 1pm showed a road closure had been put in place, to facilitate the work.
A council spokesperson said: “Following the repair of the sinkhole in Maxwell Road, Littlehampton, last week, we are aware of a dip remaining in the road.
"Our highways contractor will visit the site on Tuesday, July 21, to investigate the cause and undertake any necessary remedial works.”
The council confirmed, on Thursday, that the contractors ‘carried out works to repair the remaining dip in the road’. It added: “All works are now complete.”
The dip had raised concerns among local residents, with fears that it could pose a danger to cyclists travelling around the nearby corner.
A sinkhole was originally identified on Maxwell Road on Thursday, July 2, prompting the road to be closed while the situation was assessed.
An initial statement from West Sussex Highways confirmed contractors had been sent to the scene to close the road.
Residents were advised they could still access the area via Howard Road, Gloucester Place and Linden Road.
In a later update, the county council department advised: “Southern Water has confirmed their system is operating normally.
“We have instructed our contractor to carry out investigation works to identify the cause.
“We will update you when we have further information.”
On Thursday, July 16, the council announced that the investigations and repairs had been completed and the road had reopened.
A social media post from the council read: “Investigations and repairs into the sinkhole on Maxwell Road, Littlehampton are now complete and the road has now reopened.”
The latest development comes as emergency repairs to a separate sinkhole in Barnham continue.
Barnham Road is now expected to remain closed until Friday, July 24.
Barnham and Eastergate Parish Council has shared a fresh update from West Sussex County Council's highways team – confirming that the emergency temporary closure remains in place.
The parish council said: "The emergency temporary closure continues from 17th July 2026 for a maximum of 21 days."
"It is anticipated that works will be completed on Friday 24th July."
The latest update follows hopes that the work could have been completed by July 17.
West Sussex County Council said Southern Water engineers had excavated the site to a depth of 1.2 metres, and were preparing to install specialist shoring equipment – before digging deeper to reach the damaged pipe beneath the carriageway.
The council has not provided any further details on the progress of the repair works, but says the closure remains essential while Southern Water completes the emergency operation.
The latest works follow the reopening of Yapton Road after repairs to a separate sewer-related sinkhole.
Residents can check One.Network for the latest information on the Maxwell Road and Barnham Road closures, and any changes to traffic management.