A sinkhole at the intersection of Concordia Avenue and Elm Street will remain unrepaired for now, as rising Mississippi River levels have created unsafe conditions for work crews, Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft announced Monday.
Mayor Craft emphasized that attempting to dig into the sinkhole at this time would pose serious dangers to workers and could exacerbate the damage.
In response to the situation, city officials have blocked off roads surrounding the sinkhole, including Concordia Extension. Only residents who live in the immediate area will be permitted access in and out of the zone. Craft stressed that public curiosity could make matters worse.
City officials met Monday afternoon on the Vidalia Riverfront with representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Discussions focused on concerns about the snowpack accumulation up north and predicted rainfall across the plains and the Ohio Valley over the next 48 hours, factors that could influence future water levels along the Mississippi River.
City leaders are urging all non-residents to stay clear of the affected area for their own safety and to avoid creating additional traffic congestion. Officials continue to monitor the river’s behavior closely and will proceed with sinkhole repairs once conditions are deemed safe.
Due to the hazardous conditions, the Vidalia Police Department and city officials have issued the following urgent warning:
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Do NOT drive on Concordia Avenue to view the sinkhole.
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Do NOT walk onto or turn around in residents’ yards or driveways.
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The area—from Concordia Avenue to Murray Drive—is closed to through traffic.
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Only residents who live in the neighborhood should enter this area.
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Violators will receive a ticket.
With more rain expected, public safety remains the top priority. City officials ask all citizens to help reduce risk by staying away from the area and allowing emergency and public works crews to operate safely and without interruption.
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