Ross Parking Lot Sinkhole Points to Larger Problem for McKnight Road Properties

A small section of the parking lot between and the at 7511 McKnight Road remains off limits because of a sinkhole. 

“A contractor was doing some asphalt patching when a truck, loaded with approximately 8 tons of asphalt, started to sink into the parking lot,” said Ben Musial, a representative of McKnight Property Management.

“The truck’s back two tires sank as the parking lot started to cave in. It was quite a scene getting that truck pulled out of the hole.” 

Ross Township manager Wayne Jones said a decades old pipe, which carries an underground stream from just over the border with McCandless to run, is breaking down in spots. 

“We have no idea who installed the pipe, which is 5-feet wide at the north end and nearly 10-feet wide at the south end, under the McKnight Road corridor,” he said. “But it’s been there for maybe 50 years and is starting to weaken in spots.” 

Jones said a township engineer used a camera to inspect the pipe and identify problem areas. Property owners who could potentially be affected will be notified, he said. 

In the meantime, McKnight property management is trying to determine who will pay for the parking lot repairs. 

“Our attorneys are trying to figure it out. We’ve filed with our insurance company for the damage to the parking lot. The contractor has filed with his insurance company for the damage to the truck, ” said Musial. 

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