Peachtree Street sinkhole devours restaurant sign, sidewalk, closes lanes

ATLANTA - Several Buckhead restaurants and three lanes of Peachtree Street remain closed during Tuesday morning's commute after a sinkhole swallowed a sign and a section of sidewalk.

The Sufi's Kitchen sign fell about 10 feet into a sinkhole caused by a water leak.

Photos show gushing water in Buckhead sinkhole

SKYFOX 5 flew over the scene and saw a crater open from the road to the front of the Persian restaurant. 

Neighboring R. Thomas Deluxe Grill posted photos on its Facebook page that show water gushing into the massive hole.

The post reads:

"Unfortunately, for the past 40 days water has been leaking in front of our neighbor’s restaurant, or should I say gushing, now there is a 15-foot sinkhole on Peachtree Street. Unfortunately, R Thomas will close tonight and see what kind of remedies the city of Atlanta will give us to fix the water issues, hope to see you again soon."

The popular restaurant did not say if they would remain closed on Tuesday. 

Atlanta water main break, sinkhole repairs underway

According to Atlanta Watershed Management, a six-inch water main broke, opening the sinkhole.

Three lanes of traffic along Peachtree Street NW from Palisades Road NE to 26th Street NW will be closed while repairs are underway.

This image provided by GDOT shows Peachtree Street NW blocked off as crews work to repair a water main break that opened a massive sinkhole in front of a Buckhead eatery on Feb. 26, 2024. (Georgia Department of Transportation)

Southbound traffic is being routed into the center turn lane while one lane of northbound traffic is blocked.

No time frame has been given for the repairs to be completed.

No word if nearby businesses and residents are being impacted by the water main break.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area to minimize what could be a traffic nightmare.