Sinkhole Closes Delaware Canal Towpath In Lower Makefield Twp.

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —The flash flooding from Saturday's storm has opened sinkholes in the backyards of some homes along the Delaware Canal, officials said.

Several homes on Maplevale Drive suffered water damage and erosion to their backyards, said Jennifer Walker, executive assistant to Police Chief Kenneth Coluzzi.

State Sen. Steve Santarsiero and township officials said that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is trying to repair the canal in the rear of the homes to prevent further erosion.

The police chief, police department, and township officials met with the residents there Monday and have placed dumpsters on the street for residents to clean out their homes, Walker said.

Residents were given information on how to document damage for insurance purposes.

PECO is also working to restore power to the area as soon as possible, Walker said.

The towpath is closed at Milepoint 14.6 Sommer’s Bridge to MP 14.8 Lock 6 until further notice due to storm damage which drenched the region with about six inches of rain Saturday and claimed the lives of five people in nearby Upper Makefield Township.

State officials said the purpose of this closure is for public safety due to trail conditions. Trail users should turn around at the closure and not attempt to get by it.

Anyone using the towpath should use extreme caution, officials warn, urging that visitors should avoid the section of the towpath between New Hope (MP 24) and Lock 5 in Yardley (MP 13.3).

There are downed trees and debris along the entire length of the towpath.

The towpath is closed in the area of Main Street New Hope (MP 24) due to a hazardous trail condition.

Areas of SR 32 River Road and Taylorsville Road are closed, leaving areas inaccessible in Upper and Lower Makefield Townships and Washington Crossing.

The area from MP 14.6 Sommer’s Bridge- MP 14.8 Lock 6, South of Woodside Road in Lower Makefield will remain closed indefinitely due to public safety and ongoing assessment and cleanup efforts.

Heed all signs for road and towpath closures. Traveling by car near the park in Upper and Lower Makefield townships may be difficult to navigate due to the flooding and search efforts to find two missing children.

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