Crews work to repair massive sinkhole on Warden Avenue in Markham

Warden Avenue in Markham is partially closed due to a massive sinkhole.

Motorists are being urged to find alternate routes as crews work to repair a massive sinkhole that has developed in Markham.

Warden Avenue, south of Major Mackenzie Drive, is closed in both directions due to the sinkhole.

It is unclear when the roadway will be repaired but drivers are being told to avoid the area.

Melissa Pinto, a spokesperson for the Region of York, which is responsible for the road, said staff doing a routine patrol on Tuesday observed an area of road depression caused by consecutive nights of heavy rain.

“Heavy rain, such as was experienced, can soak into the ground and wash away or weaken the soil underneath a road, which may lead to the formation of a sinkhole,” Pinto said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Since then, the condition has worsened, and a sinkhole has formed.”

Pinto noted that the extent of the cavity under the road could not be determined, prompting the region to close the road.

Sinkhole repairs could be completed by the end of Saturday, with Pinto noting that it will depend on the extent and complexity of the work and weather.

“York Region’s continued priority is public safety and we are working to safely reopen the road as soon as possible,” she said.