Who will fix a massive sinkhole?

SPRINGVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - A massive sinkhole in Springville resembles the aftermath of an earthquake.
So, who's responsible for fixing it?

The sign in the hole says 'no standing,' but it should read 'no answers.'

Resident Kathy Roosa said, "I'm hoping they will fix it. But I hear there's a little bit of money problems."

Welcome to South Buffalo Street in Springville. A section has been closed since January, after the road collapsed, and surface fractures began to appear along the brook that runs underneath.

Right now, the preliminary cost of getting the road fixed is in excess of about a million dollars.

The problem is, getting all the parties together to figure out a plan of attack.

How are they going to get the road fixed?

Springville Administrator Tim Horner says the road is owned by Erie County. He says there's been a lot of talk, but not much else.

Horner said, "They have not accepted ownership to this point. We believe that it is their responsibility to make these repairs."

South Buffalo Street is a heavilly travelled cut through between Springville and Cattaraugus County.

In addition to safety concerns, it's been a big inconvenience for motorists, and those who ride bicycles, like Amanda and Steven Martin.

Amanda Martin said, "We go down through the next intersection and it's kind of difficult because there's not a stop light down there. And when you want to turn left it's hard to see."

So the road, or what remains of it, cries out for help.

In the meantime, local officials are keeping their fingers crossed.

Horner said, "It worries us that any strong rains we may have will continue to wash soils away forcing it to settle further."

News 4's Luke Moretti talked to Erie County Department Public Works Commissioner Jerry Sentz Friday.

He says the situation involving the road and surrounding area is complex. He wants to sit down with all parties to begin a plan of action. A meeting could take place as early as next week.