AMHERST — A sewer main break on Snell Street and sinkhole associated with it that occurred Tuesday morning is prompting the emergency closing of the road to through traffic until repairs are done by the Department of Public Works.
The road is closed where the Norwottuck Rail Trails passes over it. For people who need to get to homes on the east side, to Moody Field Road, access is from South Pleasant Street/Route 116, while homes up to 208 Snell St. can be accessed from Northampton Road/Route 9.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman said the repairs are expected to take multiple days, meaning that commuters will have to stay on the state highways, including using Northampton Road, which is being rebuilt, or to take another route.
The cause of the break of the 16-inch sewer main and collapse is unknown, though a depression had been forming in the road for a couple of days before the road gave out.
Residents are still able to use all municipal services as the DPW is able to pump sewage around the break in the line.
— SCOTT MERZBACH