Kennett street closed because of collapse fears

KENNETT, Mo. -- The Kennett Street Department placed barriers on Third Street from South Anthony to Randol streets because of concerns that the street might collapse.

Street commissioner Randy Carter said a concrete storm drain pipe under the street dating to the 1960s was crumbling and creating three sinkholes.

"At this time, we feel that the need for safety outweighs the disruption of traffic on this portion of Third Street," Carter said.

At this time the city does not have a plan to take care of the problem.

"It may be patches for these three holes; patching these three holes and replacing some of the drainage system; or possibly even replacing all the pipe from Anthony to Randol (streets)," Carter said. "Even by doing this, we realize in the next year or two, improvements will also have to be made on both ends of this part of the system (First to Third, under Anthony, and under Third, from Randol to Buffalo Ditch)."

Carter urged residents in the area to refrain from driving on streets in this area because of the possibility of another collapse caused by the weight of one more vehicle driving over the pipe.

Pertinent address:

Third Street, Kennett, Mo.