Large Hole Opens on Fairbanks
East-Bound Fairbanks Temporarily Closed
This was the scene about 4:15 pm on Fairbanks Avenue across the street from Linda’s Diner. A water main beneath the roadway burst, and the resulting hole swallowed a large chunk of Fairbanks Avenue. Winter Park Police Officer Greg Easterbrook, who was at the scene, said the east-bound lanes of Fairbanks between I-4 and Harold St. would be closed “for at least six to eight hours, perhaps more.”
Officer Easterbrook said he had received a call that the road was flooded. He said he responded, “and sure enough, a large hole had opened. Fortunately,” said Easterbrook, “this happened on a Sunday instead of during Monday rush hour.”
Crews will remain on the scene until the roadway repair is complete.
Perhaps the city should consider an investment in infrastructure rather than superficial improvement such as landscaping. As building permits are granted the drainage and flooding issues increase. There seems to be a disconnect between balancing infrastucture improvements with an increase in permits. I’ve been told the answer is more $. Should we re-examine priorities and where $ are being spent?