I have remained in touch with officials from the 
Department of Public Works throughout the day as officials deal with a sinkhole and water main break near Joppa Road and Seven Courts Drive.
Joppa Road will probably be closed for the rest of the day. Initially, there was some hope that one or two lanes could be opened to permit partial vehicle flow; however, since the damage seems to be extensive and since Baltimore City plans to replace a 14-foot section of pipe which requires large equipment for installation, all of the lanes will be needed at the work site and the road will remain closed.
This section of pipe in the 4100 block of East Joppa Road was installed in 1949. It has failed in the past, and Public Works officials are designing a replacement for construction next spring. The survey and design for this project is 90 percent complete.
As a nearby resident of this area, I know this is a heavily-traveled corridor. I thank the public for its patience, and appreciate the work of county and city officials in getting this route reopened as quickly as possible.