An immediate road closure has been ordered at the intersection of North Mulberry Street and West Burgess Street in Mount Vernon after a sinkhole was discovered.
The City of Mount Vernon announced that the Engineering Department closed the intersection to all traffic on Saturday, July 11, citing urgent safety concerns. Temporary traffic adjustments are in place to help drivers navigate the area.
Officials said the closure was necessary to protect motorists and pedestrians from potential hazards. To ease congestion, two‑way traffic is now permitted on North Mulberry Street between West Hamtramck Street and West Pleasant Street, as well as on West Burgess Street between North Sandusky Street and North Main Street.
The city stressed that violations could put both drivers and work crews in immediate danger.
“As a critical safety reminder, driving into closed construction zones is strictly prohibited,” the City of Mount Vernon stated. “Drivers are required to avoid the area and use alternative routes,” officials cautioned, urging motorists to follow posted detours to protect public safety.
In addition to the sinkhole closure, the city announced two more temporary road closures. Upper Gilchrist, between Colonial Woods Drive and Gilchrist Road, will be closed beginning Wednesday, July 15, at 7 a.m. until Friday, July 24, at 5 p.m. for sanitary line connections. The road will remain open to emergency and local traffic. Snyder Alley, between Oak Street and Cedar Street, will be closed beginning Monday, July 13, at 7 a.m. until Monday, July 20, at 5 p.m. to allow painting and renovation of a home. This section will remain open to all local traffic.
In the meantime, drivers are encouraged to stay alert, follow posted detours, and avoid unnecessary travel through the affected streets.
