Hole in New Franklin street is near Nexus pipeline; company says it took safety measures

On Facebook on Friday afternoon, New Franklin police notified the public that Van Buren Road was closed between Vanderhoof and Center roads because of a hole in the road.

The hole is near the 256-mile Nexus Gas Transmission Pipeline that transports natural gas through areas extending from southern Michigan to eastern Ohio. The pipeline is a 50-50 partnership between Enbridge and DT Midstream, according to the latter's website .

A Nexus spokesperson who works for Enbridge provided an emailed statement to the Beacon Journal.

"Nexus is aware of a small road opening near our pipeline on Van Buren Road," the spokesperson said. "We responded quickly to implement precautionary safety measures and inspect our line. We continue to coordinate with the New Franklin Service Department and local law enforcement while we conduct further assessments."

The spokesperson also said, "The pipeline is in safe operating condition."

A New Franklin police sergeant declined comment to the Beacon, citing the need for a designated spokesperson to answer questions and stating that the spokesperson was unavailable on Saturday. The sergeant said no one else from other city departments could speak with the reporter that day, either.

While Nexus said in its statement that the hole is "a small road opening," the police department said in its Facebook post that it is "a large sink hole."

The United States Geological Survey website states, "Sinkholes can vary from a few feet to hundreds of acres and from less than 1 to more than 100 feet deep."

The hole on Van Buren Road is on the smaller end of that size range. However, it extends multiple feet into the road.

Patrick Williams covers growth and development for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at pwilliams@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @pwilliamsOH.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Hole in New Franklin street is near Nexus pipeline; company says it took safety measures