Nova Scotia sinkhole could threaten main road in heavy rain
Tuesday, September 11, 2018, 9:49 PM - Heavy rains forecast for Tuesday into Wednesday have officials in a Nova Scotia town concerned a nearly 40-metre-wide sinkhole could grow and creep toward the main road.
"We do expect an increased rate of erosion and instability as a result of the rainfall and will be monitoring the situation accordingly," the Town of Oxford said Monday in a news release.
The sinkhole started as a small indentation near the town's Lions Club, but it suddenly opened up Aug. 20 when the ground under it collapsed.
Officials said there are concerns about newly developed cracks in the parking lot by the club. The cracks are 22 metres from the shoulder of Upper Main Street — the main road into town from the Trans-Canada Highway. The sinkhole is 44 metres from the road. Residents should consider using alternate routes to access the highway, said the news release. "It is unknown what level of risk this poses to the community, road and local businesses."
As of Monday, the sinkhole measured 32.6 metres by 38.7 metres, but its margins were still eroding. The town is asking people to keep away from the sinkhole site. Security fencing and surveillance cameras have been set up around the area.
The town said anyone caught trespassing could be prosecuted under the Protection of Property Act.
