Lancaster County officials are warning drivers not to move barricades blocking Northwest 112th Street after they were apparently moved following an emergency road closure.
The road remains closed just north of Highway 34 after a failed culvert created a void beneath an entire traffic lane. Lancaster County Engineer Pam Dingman told county commissioners Tuesday that someone has already moved the barricades placed at the closure. “When the barricades are removed and put off to the side of the road, the next person comes along and has no idea that the road is a clear and present danger to the public,” Dingman said. She emphasized that county roads are closed only when officials believe conditions pose a serious safety risk.
The problem was discovered Monday after a local farmer alerted county officials to the deteriorating culvert. Dingman said part of the pipe had separated near the roadway, and an inspection found a void extending beneath the full width of one traffic lane. Officials closed the road because the pavement could potentially collapse under the weight of a vehicle. The culvert dates to 1973 and will need to be replaced before the road can safely reopen.
Dingman has said the county hopes to complete the emergency work within a couple of weeks, although the timeline could depend on weather and repair conditions.
County officials are also asking residents not to drive around or move road-closure barricades. Dingman told commissioners Tuesday that doing so not only puts the person entering the closed area at risk, but can leave the roadway appearing open to the next driver who comes along.