Large sinkhole opens up after Christchurch earthquake

A large sinkhole has opened up on a busy Christchurch street after yesterday's earthquake, with road workers fearing that there could be more hidden dangers below the unstable surface.

The 3m long, 1m deep gouge emerged on Bower Ave near Crofts Lane in Parklands during liquefaction after the 5.7 magnitude jolt.

It appeared outside the home of Tosh Prodanov.

He said sewage was also bubbling up from the ground, mixed in with the silty grey mud.

Contractors cleaning up liquefaction on Bower Ave, Christchurch after yesterday's quake find holes hidden beneath the grey silt. Photo / Kurt Bayer

"They were just fixing up the road and this happens. Gutted," said the 47-year-old.

Site traffic management supervisor Phillip Jonker said the roads around the Parklands area, especially Bower Ave were treacherous.

He cited holes, liquefaction, slippery driving surfaces and "who knows what other weak spots".

"You can't tell what is going on under the road surface - there could be holes, you just can't see them," he said.

"It's very risky especially for heavy vehicles."

The road is blocked in some areas and down to one lane in other places.

Contractors using shovels and heavy machinery were clearing liquefaction from driveways and roads today.

One group of workers this morning found a large hole beneath a mound of liquefaction.
Locals say liquefaction spouted 1m into the air yesterday.

Mr Jonker asked residents to drive safely.

"We're just asking people to think."