'Massive cavity': Sinkhole on Hwy. 400 is expected to cause significant delays

Sinkhole developed around Line 5, Hwy. 88

Simcoe.com
Aug. 9, 2023
Jeremy Grimaldi

The roadway works surrounding a sinkhole that is at least 11-feet deep may cause some significant delays for highway users.

OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt hit social media Aug. 8 media Hwy. 400 users of the developing situation surrounding what appears on the surface to be a relatively small sinkhole.

However, closer inspection reveals what Schmidt called "a massive cavity".

Schmidt first warned of significant delays on Hwy. 400 southbound just north of Line 5 where, the left lane is blocked between Hwy. 88 and Line 5.

The traffic disruption would soon be expanded to left northbound lane, he added.

The video shows a small hole in the roadway, but when Schmidt brings the camera closer, the viewer can see how the cavernous hole expands under the roadway where a "relatively new" concrete centre median has been installed.

The Ministry of Transportation suggested the hole is 11-feet deep, Schmidt said, adding it looked much deeper to his eye.

He warned drivers should prepare for significant delays on Hwy. 400 in and around Bradford West Gwillimbury, and asked that drivers avoid the area if possible.