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Indian Trail intersection reopens after sinkhole swallows light pole

Officials said the sinkhole swallowed a light pole.

NORCROSS, Ga. — Norcross authorities say a major Gwinnett intersection is now open after a water main break caused a sinkhole to up and swallow a light pole Tuesday morning.

It happened near Indian Trail Road at Brook Hollow Parkway amid heavy rains. It forced crews to close the intersection for blocks in each direction, as well as the I-85 SB exit 101 exit ramp and the park-and-ride lot right off the exit.

According to a statement from Gwinnett County, the abandoned water main broke around 12:30 Tuesday morning. Crews were able to completely shut it off by 3:00 a.m. 

City officials said the abandoned main was installed back in the 1970's but the water department stopped using it in 1982. The sinkhole was caused by water coming out of the hole in the pipe, which caused erosion under the road. Now the water crews are digging it out to fix it.

Gwinnett Department of Water Resources is working with the Gwinnett Department of Transportation to repair the main and re-route traffic. Officials said the intersection will be partially reopened by Wednesday's rush hour. 

They will now be able to use the exit ramp from I-85 south and continue straight onto Brook Hollow Parkway or turn left onto Indian Trail. 

Drivers can also take Beaver Ruin Road, Jimmy Carter Blvd and Oakbrook Pkwy as alternate routes. However, they should expect heavy delays - use alternate routes if possible to avoid backups. 

Credit: 11Alive
Water main break at Brook Hollow Pkwy

Gwinnett Water told 11Alive that no homes were without water, but three business are without water. 

Gwinnett County residents may experience some service issues, according to Gwinnett officials. 

Those impacted should take these steps provided by the county:

  • Run water through an outside spigot on the front of your home until the water runs clear.
  • Then, open the other faucets in your home slowly to allow air to escape and allow the faucets to run for a minute or two until they also run clear. With the new generation of low-flow toilets, there may be discoloration in the toilet bowl for several flushes afterwards since they use much less water per flush.
  • If air is trapped in the line, it will make a spurting or hissing sound as it passes through the faucet, and at first the water may be cloudy due to tiny air bubbles in the water. You may also see discoloration or particles that dislodge from the inside of your plumbing as the pipes fill. This should clear quickly.
  • If water is cloudy throughout the house and does not clear after allowing the water to run for several minutes, contact our 24-hour emergency dispatch line at 678.376.7000 for assistance.

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