'Culvert failure' leads to state of emergency in Oakwood

OAKWOOD - Oakwood Mayor Lamar Scroggs has declared a state of emergency because of a "culvert failure" at the McEver Road/Mud Creek crossing.

The incident occurred following the early morning rains on Sunday that dumped 7.5 inches on parts of the South Hall - resulting in massive flooding, especially in Flowery Branch, and a number of washed-out roads.

"Our course of action is to replace the failed pipe with a double 10by-10 box culvert," Oakwood City Manager Stan Brown said. "We expect to have a cost estimate and schematic design by end of the week. We will then solicit bids and proceed as expeditiously as possible."

Browns says McEver Road at Mud Creek will remain closed until work is complete.

"Radford/SR13/Thurmon Tanner Parkway/HF Reed will be used as the detour," he added.