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Massive sinkhole-like opening in Southeast Michigan leaves road impassable

Posted at 4:37 AM, May 02, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-02 18:34:43-04

SALINE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — Heavy rain left a road in Saline Township impassable on Wednesday.

Around 5:48 a.m., the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) received a call about a failed culvert on Braun Road just west of Macon Road in Saline Township.

7 Action News was told a driver spotted the sinkhole – about 25 feet deep and 20 feet wide – last night and stopped just short of going over the edge.

Officials say crews immediately responded to the scene and barricaded the road. The commission issued closed road advisory to residents via email and on their website around 7:30 a.m.

The road has since been closed and protected with concrete barricades and signs. Saline Township, MDEQ along with the WCRC are working to replace the culvert in order to reopen the road.

The county road commission says the opening was not a sinkhole, but actually a failed cross road culvert or drain that was washed away by the heavy rain.

This is the third time since January there's been a washout at the location. And neighbors want a permanent fix as soon as possible.

People who live in the area have to take a 7 to 8 Mile detour to get around the giant hole in the road.