BELLAIRE — A hillside gave way in Bellaire this week, causing an embankment failure on Washington Street in Bellaire.

Village Administrator Scott Porter said Wednesday problems with the hillside began about two weeks ago, but after last weekend’s flood-inducing storms it got worse, forcing Porter to close the road. The damage is located between the 26th Street extension and Wagner Avenue. Motorists must use Ohio 149 as alternative route to Washington Street.

“It’s been going on two weeks, but we’re not sure what caused it. The rain is not helping it. Something else is causing it to move underground,” Porter said.

Porter noted there is a 16-inch waterline on that side of the hill that feeds water from a tank to the village. However, if it were to break, the village could reroute water and use other tanks. He noted there are leaky valves in the area that he believes are feeling the pressure of the massive slip.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is expected to take core drilling samples in the slip area to determine its cause starting next week. ODNR was expected to begin moving the equipment needed to do this testing into the area Thursday and today.

“We’re going to leave the road closed because heavy traffic and school buses may cause more damage or accidents,” Porter said.

He estimates fixing the giant slip may cost several hundred thousand dollars. He plans to apply for emergency grant funding from the state of Ohio.

“We’ve approached Senator (Frank) Hoagland’s office, and (Rep.) Jack Cera is aware of it,” Porter said. “There are no homes in danger or affected. … Once we figure out what the cause is, then hopefully we will qualify for some funding.”

Porter said valves to replace those that are leaking already have been ordered.

“If we have to shut the line off, we could still feed the town with the other tanks. … We’re preparing ourselves, just in case, for a complete failure,” he said.