There’s no word on how long a section of Grand Ave West in Chatham will remain shut down. 
A sink hole appeared last week, and officials say closer inspection showed the problem was caused by a failed drainage culvert for water flowing from the courthouse property and restaurant parking lot into the Thames River.
Starting today, municipal officials will have the road blocked off the road in both directions between Keil Drive and Lacroix Street, allowing local traffic up to the work site in front of Crabby Joe’s restaurant.
Officials say repairing a damaged culvert will be complicated, requiring a deep excavation and utility re-routing.
All businesses – including the courthouse, Health and Family Services, and the Children’s Treatment Centre, will remain open.
