Heavy rain that passed through Buford in the early morning hours Wednesday, Jan. 4, contributed to a sinkhole opening up on Robert Bell Parkway.

According to Buford City Manager Bryan Kerlin, an underground culvert failed on Robert Bell Parkway just south of the intersection of Robert Bell Parkway and Sawnee Avenue. The overnight storms contributed to the failure.

“The nature of the failure is being investigated and a timeline for completion of repairs is not currently available,” Kerlin said.

Robert Bell Parkway is currently closed between Sawnee Avenue and Roberts Street.

Buford City Schools will send out an update to parents hopefully on Thursday on the road closure, including any alternate traffic plans, in anticipation of school returning on Monday, Jan. 9, Buford City Schools Superintendent Melanie Reed said.

Updates will be provided.

FEATURED PHOTO: A sinkhole opened up on Robert Bell Parkway near Sawnee Avenue overnight due to a culvert failure. Special photo.