Sinkhole impacting traffic, restaurants along Atlanta BeltLine

ATLANTA — One of the most popular spots along the Atlanta BeltLine is closed off because of a sinkhole.

The closure is near Ladybird Grove and Mess Hall on the Eastside Trail, and crews are working to get it cleaned up.

Crews have been working on the sinkhole all day, and people who walk the BeltLine told Channel 2’s Lauren Pozen that it’s odd not seeing anyone on there.

Jan Hackney, Craig Kimbrough and their two little dogs came up on the missive sinkhole Friday and couldn’t believe what they saw.

“The only other time I saw a sinkhole is when I was in California,” Hackney said. “Even when it is cold, we are out here. We walk a lot, and Ladybird is one of our favorite places because they allow dogs.”

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The sinkhole opened up Wednesday, and crews have had it blocked off since. Crews excavated the area Friday to figure out exactly why this happened.

The closure is near John Wesley Dobbs Avenue between Irwin Street and Montag Circle.

“I just heard about it this morning from everybody in my co-working space were talking about it. It is all the buzz. Like: ‘Oh my gosh! The whole BeltLine is shut down,’” said Mary Carol, who lives nearby.

Businesses and restaurants are still open around the sinkhole, but the section of trail will remain closed off while crews work.

People will have to take a detour around the sinkhole if they are walking the BeltLine.

Carol told Pozen that she thinks the sinkhole is impacting people's desire to use the trail.

“Everything is closed off. It is a little eerie to not see hundreds of people walking up and down the BeltLine this morning and on such a beautiful day," Carol said.

Pozen walked the detour route Friday. She said it took about an extra 10 minutes to get around the sinkhole.

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