Local

Washed out Mallard Creek Road still weeks away from reopening

By Mark Barber
By Mark Barber

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Repair crews now think it will take an extra week to reopen Mallard Creek Road where an enormous 20-foot sinkhole shut it down near Johnston-Oehler Road after strong storms blew through last week.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation hoped to have it reopen by the end of August.

[PHOTOS: Mallard Creed Road closed after flooding washes away roadway]

Now, it's trying to reopen the road by Sept. 4, which is seven days after students go back to school.

"Good luck! Good luck to all the commuters who have to be behind the buses," driver Glenn Jarmin said.

[RELATED: Flash flooding washes away 20-foot section of Mallard Creek Road]

He worries the long detour will be congested with buses when school starts on Monday.

"It's going to be a problem, especially with people going to work at the same time in the morning so it's going to be a big problem," said driver Bill Sutton.

Mallard Creek Road is a vital artery to get to Interstate 485.

The only alternative in the area takes you right past two Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools, Mallard Creek High and Parkside Elementary.

Parents worry the added traffic and school buses will create a mess.

"It's going to be a complete mess," driver Luis Marn said.

In 2016, Channel 9 discovered some CMS bus drivers were still running late, three weeks after school started, and that was without major road disruptions.

CMS officials said this year their drivers are already starting their practice runs so they can familiarize themselves with any changes.

They're also working with the Charlotte Department of Transportation to find the safest and the quickest detour for students.

Driver Glenn Jarmin said he isn't hopeful.

"Going to be a disaster. Long ways around. Got to be 10 to 15 minutes with no traffic," Jarmin said.

CMS told Channel 9 it is alerting students about any changes to their routes and whether they need to be picked up earlier for class.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

Cox Media Group

Most Read