EDITOR'S NOTE: Help us make our area a better place to live by pointing out the things you see that need to be fixed in Richmond, Columbia and Aiken counties. Give us a call or send us an e-mail if you see a road hazard, a pothole, a broken street sign, a malfunctioning traffic light or other problem. We'll try to address these areas with the responsible parties. If you have a suggestion or nomination, call our Fix It line at (706) 823-3339 or e-mail fixit@ augustachronicle.com.

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM? Work crews have surrounded a massive cave-in on East Buena Vista Avenue in North Augusta with barriers and caution tape, but one tipster wondered when the area would be safe for driving.

WHO'S RESPONSIBLE? The South Carolina Department of Transportation's office in Aiken is responsible for the roads in North Augusta. Resident Manager Kelvin Oglesby can be reached at (803) 641-7665.

WHAT'S BEING DONE? Mr. Oglesby said the size of the cave-in is going to require outside help and that his office met with representatives from the Columbia office of the state DOT last week to determine what steps to take. Although water is believed to be the cause, he said, officials aren't sure whether runoff from the road or a broken pipe caused it. He said that officials are trying to decide whether to expand the pipe that runs beneath the road before reconstruction begins and that the work would then go to an outside contractor.

- Compiled by Adam Folk