A HUGE sinkhole that caused driving misery for many and saw drivers flouting the rules to get past it has today been filled in and the road reopened sooner than expected.

The sinkhole, found on the A694 near Medomsley, caused traffic chaos on Wednesday morning after the sinkhole appeared.

However, as of today, The Northern Echo can confirm that the sinkhole has been filled and the repaired and the road re-opened.

Read more: Here's when a huge pothole on major County Durham road is expected to be fixed

Initially the repairs were expected to be completed early next week, however, it seems Durham County Council has working over the weekend.

The Northern Echo: What the sinkhole looked like before it was filled in Picture: GAVIN ENGELBRECHTWhat the sinkhole looked like before it was filled in Picture: GAVIN ENGELBRECHT

The Northern Echo reported shocking scenes as drivers flouted the rules and drove over a grassed area next to a footpath to get around road closure signs.

Signage leading up to the sinkhole was also heavily criticised and branded inadequate, while drivers said there were no diversions in place.

The closure happened on what is a major junction, with roads leading from Burnopfield, Medomsley, Hamsterley Mill and Rolands Gill.

Read more: Police issues statement after report of ‘loud bangs’ leads to ‘significant’ police response

The sinkhole appeared about a metre in diameter, but concealed beneath was a much larger hole, which had been excavated in preparation for work.

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