LYNCHBURG, Va. – MONDAY UPDATE: Repair work is expected to last several days.
Currently, crews are backfilling the excavated area in order to cover and protect the new waterline.
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Repairs will take approximately one week, depending on delays and weather. Fort Avenue is expected to reopen by next Monday.
SUNDAY UPDATE: Due to a sinkhole resulting from a waterline break, Fort Avenue from Graves Mill to Fenwick Drive, is currently restricted to one lane in both the eastbound and westbound directions.
The Department of Water Resources is encouraging commuters to use alternate routes, as congestion during rush hour is expected to be significant.
Since lane closures and lane shifts are extensive in both directions, they're asking only local traffic to use this segment of Fort Avenue. Rerouting to Wards Road and US-460 to avoid Fort Avenue is advised.
For more information, call the Department of Water Resources at (434) 455-4250.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Crews are working at the scene of a sinkhole on Fort Avenue in Lynchburg.
The sinkhole happened on the northbound side of Fort Avenue between Graves Mill Road and Long Meadows Drive.
Officials said they received calls about the issue around 1:15 p.m. Saturday.
The Lynchburg Department of Water Resources says a water main break eroded away dirt and created the sinkhole.
Representatives from the department tell WSLS 10 they're still assessing the situation and waiting for Verizon, as the communications company has underground utilities there, so they need to coordinate the repair work.
The Department of Water Resources is working with people who live nearby, as their water is affected.
Northbound lanes of Fort Avenue will be closed until further notice.