The intersection of Harding and Mitchell roads west of Turlock is closed following the erosion of ground above an irrigation pipe that led to the collapse of the road.

Around 10:30 a.m. Monday a Turlock Irrigation District employee observed some erosion around the pipeline on Harding Road, according to TID Communications Specialist Brandon McMillan. Soon after, the erosion grew to destabilize the roadway.

According to McMillan, the erosion was caused by the failing of the old corrugated pipeline, which is now in the process of being replaced.

Stanislaus County Public Works and TID have shared responsibility for the repair. It is unclear how long the roadway will be closed or if the closure will affect irrigation water delivery to growers on the westside of the District.

The TID Board of Directors voted to tentatively start the irrigation season on March 28, however, if the area receives substantial rainfall in the next week it could be postponed, said McMillan.