Some recent vandalism at a construction site in Chatham should not affect the overall project duration but did pose as a minor bump in the road.
Municipal officials had closed Grand Avenue West between Lacroix Street and Keil Drive North to through traffic in mid-July after a large sinkhole was discovered under the westbound lanes of the road in front of Crabby Joe’s Restaurant.
Alain Sasseville, acting director of drainage, asset and waste management, said vandals cut discharge hoses Monday night, which created a bit of a mess.
"Instead of the water going across the road and into the [Thames River] it just directed the water into the diked off work area," he said.
In dealing with the vandalism, Sasseville said that set work back a couple of days. However, construction crews are back at the site "rediverting some sewers and utilities in order to complete the road and install new concrete pipes".
Barring any unforeseen issues, Sasseville said the project is expected to be completed in early September.
"The project is still considered to be somewhat on schedule," he said. "The crews are working quickly to bring the site back to its safety standards."
While a section of Grand Avenue West is closed to through traffic, businesses in the area are still open and drivers are allowed to access the road if they are a business patron.
"We appreciate everyone's patience and the crews along with [municipal staff] are working diligently to try to open things up as soon as possible since it was an unforeseen issue that came up and caused this closure."
Chatham-Kent police are asking that if someone has information regarding the vandalism, they call police at 519-436-6600 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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