A large hole at the intersection of Jewel and Canal streets in Lakeview has been blocking the intersection for several weeks, with repairs scheduled to begin next week, according to city officials.
Neighbors in the area said the hole initially started smaller and has progressively grown larger over time. While no one wanted to speak on camera Friday afternoon, residents confirm that the intersection has been blocked off for weeks.
David Cappel, director of drainage networks, said a third-party contractor is set to begin work Wednesday. He said in a phone call Friday the contractor will work to find out how a drainage manhole stopped working, which led to the hole opening up.
He told WDSU crews will also work to make the hole safer so nobody falls in.
A city spokesperson said the issue is under the jurisdiction of the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board, which is aware of the situation.
“According to SWBNO, the hole is the result of a subsurface drainage issue and water leak,” city communications director Jonah Gilmore wrote in an email Friday. “Their contractors are scheduled to begin repairs next week.”
The Sewerage and Water Board has not yet responded to questions about the hole in the street. Their project map shows several jobs underway nearby, but it is unclear if they are related to the issue.
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