Summer Storms Create Large Sinkhole in Broomall

BROOMALL–A large sinkhole was discovered on Wednesday afternoon at the 370 Reed Road business center parking lot.

The sinkhole, approximately the size of a full-sized van, was observed to be in the middle of the parking lot.

According to Manager Anthony Hamaday, the sinkhole had started out as a small sinkhole–common in many parking lots–on the privately owned property.

The small sinkhole was observed by the township about a month and a half ago, said Hamaday. It was only a few weeks ago when the township had given the management company of the property a notice about the sinkhole.

But it wasn't until when the sinkhole had hit its threshold and expanded to the size of about two parking spaces wide.

"The sinkhole there was a result of the recent summer storm that happened," explained Hamaday.

The large sinkhole's location on the lot, which is located above a stormwater sewer line, is a "big concern" for the township.

"One of our biggest concerns was if water was still flowing–it is," said Hamaday. "Another big concern of ours was if it gets backed up, it will definitely affect the township. It will definitely flood the Lawrence Park area."

Hamaday said the neighborhood on Redhill Road, one of the lowest line roads in the area, has been placed on alert for any back-up that may occur.

The township has notified the owner of the property of the large sinkhole, which is in violation of the township's stormwater management code, and has given them five days to take action for repairs.

According to Hamaday, the owner has already contracted a company to repair the pipe for the length of the property and for fencing to be installed around the sinkhole for safety matters. A pipe has been ordered and a bypass system will be installed.

Until then, Hamaday said the township will be on standby until the reapairs are made and will be monitoring the neighborhood, particularly Redhill Road during this time.

Hamaday said the township is taking necessary precautions with this sinkhole, as a previous sinkhole that occurred in 2009 at the parking lot next door on Park Way created major damage to the parking lot and flooding in the area.