(Lawrenceville, Ga., Sept. 28, 2009) - When a motorist's 1995 Chevrolet Caprice fell into a sinkhole on West Liddell Road near Satellite Boulevard early last Saturday morning, no one knew when it might get pulled out. Gwinnett DOT had closed the road with barrels and warning tape after flooding made it dangerous, but someone moved them according to a report the driver gave police who responded. The next morning, the driver discovered vandals had gotten into the car, smashed the windows, ripped the seats and stolen speakers from the rear deck, according to another police report. A pedestrian reported seeing people around the car at about 4 a.m. Sunday morning.

Stormwater Director Steve Leo said the car will be removed Tuesday when Water Resources begins replacing a failed culvert under the roadway. Contractor John D. Stephens, Inc., will dig out the old 48-inch metal culvert and make a ramp in the process so a wrecker can pull out the car. Given the condition of the road, this is the safest way to remove the car.

Leo said the new culvert will be a 72-inch reinforced concrete pipe expected to last for 100 years. The replacement work will take 10 to 14 days, funded by the stormwater fees.

DOT Director Brian Allen urged residents not to move barrels themselves. Inspectors will determine when the road is safe and reopen it to traffic as soon as possible. A list of closed roads is available on the County website, www.gwinnettcounty.com.