Sinkhole persists in busy Roswell street

A sinkhole, thought repaired in August, has opened up again on the southbound shoulder of Ga. 9 in Roswell. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

A sinkhole, thought repaired in August, has opened up again on the southbound shoulder of Ga. 9 in Roswell. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

After more than a week of traffic disruption due to a sinkhole, busy Ga. 9 in Roswell will stay reduced to one lane in each direction for a few more days as the Georgia Department of Transportation works to close the hole.

The sinkhole is on the southbound shoulder of Ga. 9, also known as Atlanta Street and Roswell Road, between Oak Street and Oxbo Road. It was first reported and repaired in August but opened up again on Oct. 31. GDOT now expects to finish repairs by Nov. 14, weather permitting.

“The cause of the sinkhole is an old, unmarked storm drain 20 feet below the road that had rusted and collapsed,” according to an announcement by the city.

The Roswell Transportation Department is working with the state “to ensure that this project is completed properly and safely. The project will include boring a new pipeline under the road, as well as constructing associated structures on each side of the road.”

Officials urged drivers to use an alternate route, if possible, as the four-lane street’s usual traffic capacity is reduced.