Sinkhole at Bowman Curve Shopping Center could take weeks to fix, officials say

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — When Beryl rolled through Arkansas earlier this week, the heavy rain caused a sinkhole at the entrance of the Bowman Curve Shopping Center in Little Rock.

Channel 7 News went back to the sinkhole to get an update on the progress.

“The water had gotten under the road and buckled it up so it was not safe to drive on,” said Eric Petty, the Little Rock Public Works Operations Manager.

Petty said the sinkhole stems from a failed pipe.

“That first morning, it was ‘get the asphalt road repaired’ that way we can get vehicles traveling back through there. We got our detour set up. We have went inside and we have assessed the pipe from both inside and outside. We have determined the length of pipe we need to order,” Petty said.

He said they have placed an order for the new pipe, but it could take anywhere from two to three weeks to get that pipe in.

“We have a lot of older pipes in the city of Little Rock so there is always that opportunity for some of them to collapse or fail during a big event,” Petty said.

If you compare the sinkhole on Tuesday to today, you might think the hole looks bigger.

Petty said there is a reason for that.

“We had to remove all of the concrete that was broken on top of it plus we have to excavate back into the banks until we get to where the pipe is in good condition that way we get a good solid tie point to make our transition with our new pipe,” Petty said.

If you have to make a trip in the area, use caution and add a little bit of extra time for travel.

“It is definitely an inconvenience right now but what we are doing is for their safety,” Petty said. “From this point on, we will be able to keep at least one lane of traffic open in each direction. While there may be some backup, just give us a little time and you will be able to make it through. We will keep a lane open for the traveling public,” Petty said.