Lane closures on Grand Ave. West in Chatham caused by a sinkhole. July 2019. (Photo courtesy of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent)Lane closures on Grand Ave. West in Chatham caused by a sinkhole. July 2019. (Photo courtesy of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent)
Chatham

Municipal officials reminding residents to steer clear of 'the big ditch'

Due to heavy traffic along Grand Avenue, Chatham-Kent officials are reminding residents to stop gawking.

"If you're going down to visit a business, or patronize a business please go ahead," said Jim Blake, the communications officer for the municipality. "If you're not doing that then avoid the road because there's no reason to go down there and look at the big ditch."

An area of Grand Avenue West between Churchill Street and Courthouse Lane is currently closed as construction crews work to repair a culvert.

There is no timeline for when the work will be finished. The area is being treated as emergency construction, as a sinkhole emerged in front of Crabby Joes due to a culvert collapsing.

The reminder was sent out in a release on Wednesday, after Tim Dick, Chatham-Kent's director of Drainage, Asset and Waste Management said there could have been a lack of signage in the area.

After hearing concerns, the municipality has increased the number of those signs.

"Motorists accessing businesses from Lacroix Street can get as far as Crabby Joes," said Dick. "Motorists coming from Keil Drive will only be able to get as far as Courthouse Lane."

A detour route has been posted on the municipality's website -- you can find that by clicking here.

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