#CTTraffic Alert: Large Sinkhole Causes Traffic Problems in #DanburyCT

Photo by Farley Santos

DANBURY, CT — Drivers around Danbury and Bethel will want to use caution and take alternate routes as a large sinkhole has formed on Shelter Rock Road in Danbury.

Councilman Farley Santos posted the following message on his Facebook page:

“To all our neighbors: A sinkhole has formed on Shelter Rock Road near the intersection with Cross Street. Traffic is being diverted through Cross Street. Please try to avoid the area if possible. The City’s Public Works department is on it. I’ve spoken with the Foreman and repairs are underway. It will be a long night for our City’s Public Works crew. I will update as needed.”

While areas like Florida are more prone to sinkholes, Connecticut has seen a large amount of rain. According to USGS.giov, a sinkhole is formed when the ground below the land surface cannot support the land surface and eats away at the rock below.

“Cover-collapse sinkholes may develop abruptly (over a period of hours) and cause catastrophic damages. They occur where the covering sediments contain a significant amount of clay. Over time, surface drainage, erosion, and deposition of sinkhole into a shallower bowl-shaped depression. Over time, surface drainage, erosion, and deposition of sediment transform the steep-walled sinkhole into a shallower bowl-shaped depression.”

We will update this story as more information becomes available.