Merrillville and Winfield town leaders are a step closer to reopening 101st Avenue.

The road, a dividing line between Merrillville and Winfield, has been closed because of flooding between Arizona Street and Colorado Street for several months. It will remain blocked until, at least, April 15.

Some experts have said the problem could be a broken farm tile, a clogged tile or something altogether different.

Merrillville Public Works Director Bruce Spires said Wednesday they intend to begin digging a ditch in the back of property owned by a Winfield resident and go several feet west.

"We're going to get the hole dug, and get the water drained out and get the ponds back to normal level," Spires said.

"We've got the permission to go on the land. This homeowner has been very helpful. We have not yet discussed who is paying for what. The important thing is to get the water off the road and get the road opened," he said.

Winfield Town Council President Ken Thieneman couldn't be reached for comment.

Winfield Town Attorney Bill Enslen said the town is looking at various alternatives at resolving the problem. However, Enslen said he has not talked to Winfield town leaders since a meeting earlier in the month. The town's engineer, Tony Kenning with DLZ, also couldn't be reached for comment.

Merrillville officials, who have jurisdiction over 101st Avenue, have said construction work that a Winfield resident did on the south side of the road caused 101st Avenue to flood. They say the water should flow south.

Winfield town leaders maintains the water clearly flows north.