Sinkhole on Kiwanis opens back up

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- A sinkhole on Kiwanis Street in Bowling Green has reopened, prompting continued investigation and repairs by city crews.

City officials say the repair project could take more than 60 days to complete. Work was delayed Thursday due to flash flood warnings in the area.

According to Journey Waggener with the City of Bowling Green Public Works Department, crews discovered an additional source of water while excavating the sinkhole.

“We noticed water coming through from the direction of Kiwanis Court,” Waggener said. “After testing the water, we found traces of chlorine and notified Bowling Green Municipal Utilities. They shut off several valves, and the water flow stopped.”

Officials say the sinkhole had previously been capped with clay and topsoil following earlier excavation work, but the ground gave way again.

Jason Bellamy, who lives near the sinkhole in the Shawnee neighborhood, said he has seen standing water in the area for years.

“I’ve lived here since 1977,” Bellamy said. “There used to be a fire hydrant that leaked for years, and water was always standing in that area.”

The sinkhole is located near the corner of Bellamy’s property. While he said the ongoing work has not caused him concern, he is ready to see the project completed.

“There’s nothing I can do about it,” Bellamy said.

City officials say they are still working to determine the exact source of the water and have not identified a definitive cause for the recurring issue.

Crews removed a 60-year-old metal pipe from the site ahead of Thursday’s severe weather and plan to resume work Monday. Officials say traffic control measures will remain in place while repairs continue.

City leaders say the sinkhole has not affected nearby residents, and the investigation remains ongoing.