6 Months Later, Riverside Drive in Evansville Still Closed Due to Sinkhole

It’s been months since a portion of Riverside Drive in Downtown Evansville was shut down due to a sinkhole, and the road will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

What Caused the Riverside Drive Closure?

The closure began in late February after a dip formed in the roadway. That dip quickly expanded into a sinkhole, revealing a ruptured water main and what would later be identified as a much bigger issue. The brick storm sewer located 25 feet below the surface had collapsed.

Crews Face Complications Below the Surface

While the waterline repairs were completed early on, the road has remained closed to traffic as crews worked to plan the more extensive repairs needed for the sewer.

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Latest Update from Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU)

This week, the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) announced that installation of sheet piling is now underway around the repair zone. This process, expected to take two to three weeks, will create a safe environment for crews to begin excavation and assess the full extent of the damage. Much of Evansville's water infrastructure is nearly 100 years old.

When Will Riverside Drive Reopen?

Until those assessments and repairs are complete, there is still no firm timeline for when Riverside Drive will reopen.

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Current Traffic Detours and Safety Measures

For now, traffic between Cherry and Chestnut Streets will remain closed. Drivers will continue to be rerouted up Cherry to 2nd Street. Detour signs and cones are clearly visible to mark the route.

Drone video recorded August 5, 2025, shows the extent of the work and can be viewed on EWSU’s official Facebook page. EWSU says safety remains the top priority as crews continue working to stabilize the area and restore a key corridor to downtown Evansville.