The Public Works Department warns motorists that a sinkhole has developed in the far-left eastbound lane of the Moravian Highway on St. Thomas, between Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Gottlieb Gas Station.
While DPW is assisting the Waste Management Authority to secure the area with barricades, “motorists and pedestrians are urged to avoid the location and not interfere with the work zone until repairs are completed,” it said.
Adding to the problem, the soil beneath the roadway has eroded, creating hazardous conditions, DPW said.
Due to the road failure, Thursday’s J’ouvert route will now begin at the Cancryn Bridge rather than near Pueblo Sub Base to ensure the safety of participants, according to the release, which did not offer a timeline for repairs.
The warning comes as the V.I. Police Department issued a traffic advisory for St. Thomas Carnival, noting the island “has been experiencing multiple auto collisions,” including a head-on collision Monday evening that claimed the life of a scooter driver.
Lt. Lionel Bess, VIPD’s STT/STJ traffic commander, provided the following safety tips for motorists and pedestrians:
– Please adhere to all safety protocols and traffic signs
– No driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
– No texting while driving
– No speeding while driving, follow the speed limit
– Proceed with caution in dark areas and around corners
– Be cautious of pedestrians along the roadway
– Visitors, remember to drive on the left
– For pedestrians, look both ways before crossing the street and always use the crosswalk
