Repairs extended after cavern under Fort Bend Co. roadway causes pole to lean, constable says

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Authorities say a busy Cinco Ranch intersection may remain closed for another month.

The delay comes after a plumber's concerns led Fort Bend County officials to discover that the ground beneath the Mason Road and Westheimer Parkway intersection had washed out -- leaving a hollow cavern beneath the pavement.

The shocking discovery was made after a homeowner noticed a gurgling sound coming from their toilet and called a plumber, who then found the washed-out cavern, according to the Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Constable's Office.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Gurgling toilet led plumber to discover cavern underneath road in Cinco Ranch, officials say

The constable's office said a road collapse was avoided after a plumber who was called to a nearby house led to the discovery of a void underneath a Cinco Ranch intersection.

Now, officials say repairs could take about a month after Fort Bend County Pct. 1 Constable Chad Norvell said a signal pole in the intersection started to lean.

According to the constable, the pole's foundation is believed to have failed, and the pole will need to be removed.

Norvell added that the concrete for the pole's new foundation will take 30 days to cure.

The cause of the wash-out is still unclear.