For Immediate Release | February 13, 2017      
Contact:  Preston Neill, Executive Assistant to the Town Manager/PIO
970-748-4404 | pneill@avon.org
Contact: Tracy LeClair, Community Risk Manager/PIO
970-471-5284 | tleclair@eagleriverfire.org
 

Sinkhole Opens on Swift Gulch Road

Portion of road expected to remain closed up to a week
 

Avon, CO – Earlier today, Avon PD and Eagle River Fire Protection District responded to a report of a small sinkhole on the 100 block of Swift Gulch Road. After arrival on scene and closure of the road, Avon PD ascertained that a construction worker, working at the construction site of the new joint Public Safety Facility, walked over to examine the sinkhole and subsequently tumbled in. He was pulled to safety by his fellow construction workers, with no major injuries reported.
 
In order to examine the extent of the sinkhole, a remote camera provided by the Eagle River Water & Sanitation District was lowered in. After thorough review, it was estimated that the hole is approximately 12 to 15 feet deep, 6 feet wide at the top and 20 feet wide at the bottom. A geotechnical engineer was brought in to assess the area and help determine a repair plan. It was decided that for public safety reasons, the segment of Swift Gulch Road between Nottingham Road and the 500 block of Swift Gulch Road will be closed for the next few days but will open as soon as possible. During that time, a contractor will be brought in to fill the hole and ensure the road is safe for reopening.
 
Avon PD and Eagle River Fire personnel made contact with local businesses in the area to apprise them of the situation. Motorists and pedestrians are strongly advised to obey all traffic control signs and barricades with regard to this closure. In addition, travelers seeking access to Swift Gulch Road are advised to use the alternate route at Exit 168/Post Boulevard.
 
The Town of Avon and Eagle River Fire would like to thank Eagle River Water & Sanitation District, Holy Cross Energy, Eagle County Paramedic Services and Vail Public Safety Communications Center for their efforts during today’s incident.