A Huge Sinkhole Just Opened Up On Fulton Street in Front of Van Andel Arena

I'm not sure if the Bert Kreischer show last night at Van Andel Arena is to blame (it's not) but in case you aren't downtown today (Friday, December 2nd) you may have missed this GIANT hole that has opened up right in front of the arena.

The hole was first reported early on Friday morning, and Grand Rapids road crews sprung into action to start to get it filled in.

Crews blocked off on E. Fulton Street between Ottawa and Ionia avenues, near Van Andel Arena, while they worked to fix it.

What caused the sinkhole in front of Van Andel Arena?

No official cause or speculation has been given to the public as to what is going on with this hole, but I went to the top of the parking structure across the street from it at the corner of Fulton and Ottawa, and could see the crew digging around a massive pipe.

It's not uncommon for pipe breaks or failures to cause the roads to cave in. When I previously lived in Louisville, Kentucky we had a massive amount of these issues due to poor city upkeep. I don't think that's the case here, however.

How long will traffic be detoured?

The road is expected to be open by now, but you may see plates in place of where the hole is being worked on until they can repave the road. So, if you're planning to head downtown this weekend, give yourself a few extra minutes just in case.