Busy Gwinnett County intersection reopens after giant sinkhole

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A busy Gwinnett County intersection reopened before the morning rush hour Wednesday after a massive water main break caused a large sinkhole to open. It happened along Brook Hollow Parkway and Indian Trail Road at Interstate 85 around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Wednesday morning drivers should be able to use the exit ramp from I-85 southbound and continue straight onto Brook Hollow Parkway or turn left onto Indian Trail Road. Drivers can also take Indian Trail Road headed southeast from Beaver Ruin Road.

According to officials, a decommissioned valve attached to the water main broke. The water force created the sinkhole and took out the traffic pole.

Crews worked through the day, evening, and overnight to fix the problem. 

SKYFOX Drone flew above the massive sinkhole Tuesday morning when it was some 30-feet wide by 30-feet long and 15-feet deep.

Shawn Gillis, motorist says, "Ah, man, I been in traffic just coming off the exit for 20 to 25 minutes just to get to this gas station."

Dexter Tipton, motorist says, "Trying to get around Norcross right now."

Motorists were turning to their GPSs to try to find a workaround.

Tipton says, "I been looking at my GPS all day, trying to figure out a way to get around."

The nearby Park and Ride Lot was also shutdown affecting Gwinnett County Transit.

Jackson Smith, motorist says, "It’s been crazy, it's been hectic. It's been hectic. The normal usual route, having to change and find another route it's hectic."

The day’s heavy downpours an added challenge for workers trying to get the roadway partially reopened in time for the Wednesday morning commute, and motorists just trying to get home.

Charlene White, motorist says, "Taking time, taking my time. Got to."

Officials are suggesting drivers use alternative routes if at all possible until the road is fully fixed.

Water from Gwinnett County is still safe for all residents. Three businesses were without water for a short time, but that has since been repaired.