Sinkhole forces closure of Greensburg alley

A section of a Greensburg alley was closed Thursday after part of the road started sinking into an old street basement access to a building, according to public works director Tom Bell.

Part of John D. Reese Way, between Tunnel Way and Otterman Street, was blocked off and a metal plate was put over the damaged area of road, he said. Private parking areas in the alley can be reached from Tunnel Way.

The access was at one time essentially a trap door on the street that allowed for deliveries to be made into the basement of the building at Main and Otterman streets. At some point, a metal plate was put over the opening and the alley was paved over top of it.

Bell said water has seeped down, resulting in a collapse. The building owner will be responsible for fixing the issue, he said. The closure will remain in place until that happens.

“The ultimate fix is pouring concrete in there,” Bell said.

The building is owned by Chelsted Limited Family Partnership, according to Westmoreland County deeds. A representative could not be reached.