Drivers Near Norman Sink Hole Dealing With Detour

On Indian Hills Road and 36th Avenue NE in Norman, News 9 crews saw several types of travelers trying to get around the treacherous terrain Friday. And yet even those on horseback had to turn around because the sink hole in the area was too deep and too wide.

Chase Wampler and his girlfriend slowed their horses to a trot along a stretch of Indian Hills Road. It didn't take long for them to realize they'd have to change course Friday.

“I heard it was washed out but I wasn't sure so we had to come up here and check it ourselves,” Wampler said.

Wampler and residents in the area have been dealing with the detour since the storms rolled through Wednesday.

5/6/2015 Related Story: Severe Storms Produce Tornadoes, Cause Damage In Central Oklahoma

The Norman Street Department closed Indian Hills Road at 36th Avenue NE and three other major roadways to ensure public safety.

“You don't want to crawl through, on, under or around. Just avoid them,” said Norman Street Department Superintendent Greg Hall.

And Hall also asked residents to be patient. Crews are working non-stop to temporarily repair every major and minor washout caused by recent flash flooding.

“We are always ready for just about any type of emergency. We keep extra pipe on hand, extra rock materials, we have equipment all over. It's not a strain. It's how quick [sic] can we respond to the citizens' problems,” Hall told News 9.

Hall said it's best to avoid the area if possible and they will get it fixed soon enough

“Indian Hills is a really traveled area for out here in the country, so the sooner the better,” Wampler said.

The city is prepared for more reports of pavement washouts. If you come across one you're asked to report it to public works department.