Sinkhole near UF Shands Gainesville forces detour

Vehicle traffic to front entrance of hospital temporarily closed

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A sinkhole about 5 feet in diameter that opened Sunday in a grassy area near the main entrance of UF Health Shands Hospital caused officials to close the area to traffic.

Officials said no one was injured and patient care was not affected. For the safety of patients, visitors, staff and students, all vehicular traffic was rerouted away from the intersection of Southwest Archer Road and Southwest 16th Street.

Geological engineers were expected to evaluate the sinkhole on Monday.

"We apologize for the inconvenience, and everyone coming to the north tower for work, health care, classes or visitation should expect delays. Thank you for your patience," UF Health officials said in a statement.

Valet parking for patients and visitors will be available at the UF Health Shands Children's Hospital entrance, which is off Newell Drive. Patients and visitors can also park in the east garage and walk in through the UF Health Shands Children's Hospital entrance.

Alternative patient drop-off points include the west entrance through the UF Dentistry Building, which is the first right off of Center Drive, or the UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital entrance off of Southwest 16th Street, where patients can cross over to UF Health Shands Hospital via tunnel.

Photo courtesy: Ali Schmitz, WUFT News


Photo by Ali Schmitz, WUFT News