Pemberton Road closed off due to construction

Those who use Pemberton Drive to get to and from work may want to look for alternate routes as construction began today that will leave part of the road closed for at least a week.

The construction was needed because a paddle boat got stuck in a pipe underneath the roadway back in May, and as a result the roadway had begun to settle, meaning there were cracks in the road.

The plan now is to install an emergency overflow pipe to help with major rain events as well as repair the existing pipe.

County officials tell us this project will not only repair the damage, but also help with heavy rain events in the future and reduce the risk of flooding in the area.

"The overflow pipe will help keep the water from overtopping the road because when you start having water overtopping the road that becomes a public safety issue," said Weston Young, assistant director of administration for Wicomico County.  "And with the settling of the road that becomes a public safety issue.  We want to avoid wash outs  and the repairs we're making will help with larger storm events."

The project is scheduled to be completed next Monday, but could be pushed back due to the rain in the forecast.

A detour will be set up using Rockawalkin Road, Nanticoke Road, and Crooked Oak Lane.  Local traffic will be permitted into the detoured area but no traffic will be permitted to cross Anderson Mill Pond.