By David Kirton

Sinkhole causes issues on Idylwyld Drive

Mar 12, 2012 | 12:56 PM

Drivers along Idylwyld Drive had a big surprise this morning – a massive sinkhole opened up in the road just north of 39th Street.

“It's super deep, you couldn't even see the pavement … I was thinking pothole season, people are just kind of looking with their mouths hanging open,” said Andrea, a caller driving past the spot in the northbound lane.

She is from Martinsville and was already thinking about the disaster the five-foot wide and five-foot deep hole would cause.

“How many people go to Martinsville and Warman everyday on Idylwyld it's going to be crazy,” she said.

Another driver Jonathon called in as soon as it opened up.

Raiders lead series 3-1

Raiders fooled by Rebels in Game 4

4h ago

High-stakes flight

Canadians gather to watch Artemis II moon launch

10h ago

Crime Watch

RCMP make arrest after patrolling Kinistino area break and enter suspects

10h ago

“It's the whole width of the centre lane … it also extends in the left lane, it's probably a good five feet wide, it's at least five or six feet deep. This thing is massive. This thing would swallow a car whole,” he said.

According to a press release sent out by the transportation branch of the City of Saskatoon, the sinkhole developed because of a water main break.

City crews have set up a detour with traffic being rerouted to 22nd Street East and 33rd Street. Motorists are being asked to use alternate routes as the area will be blocked off until the repairs are made.

In an earlier interview the city said the freeze and thaw cycles that have been happening this winter, weakens the roads' surfaces and makes them more brittle.

The earliest the city expects the road to be reopened to regular traffic is noon Tuesday.

news@panow.com