Sinkhole disrupting water service, closing Warner Robins street for days

A portion of Watson Boulevard near Olympia Drive in Warner Robins is expected to be closed for multiple days, and residents in the area will experience disruptions to their water service after a sinkhole appreared on Tuesday afternoon, city officials said in an email.

Officials believe the sinkhole is due to a water main break that occurred about 25 feet below the ground. The water main was originally constructed in the 1960s, making the repair “difficult and complex.”

Water flowing through the broken line has been shut off and multiple crews are on site. At least one eastbound lane of Watson Boulevard will be closed until the issue is resolved. At times, both eastbound lanes will be closed, officials said. During full closures, the center turn lane will be used to keep traffic moving.

Because the water main has been shut off, water service to residents and businesses along Watson Boulevard from Corder Road to Nelson Drive will be impacted, officials said. Officials aren’t sure how long the outage will last at this point, but updates will be provided as soon as they become available.

Drivers leaving Robins Air Force Base are encouraged to find alternate routes, such as Russell Parkway or Green Street, to avoid the area, officials said. All other eastbound drivers should allow extra time and find detours when possible.

“We recognize this is a major inconvenience for residents and those traveling Watson Boulevard,” said Mandy Stella, a spokesperson for the city government. “Thank you for your patience as crews work to restore service and complete repairs.”

This story was originally published August 20, 2025 at 11:16 AM.