Merrillville officials reopened 101st Avenue on Wednesday afternoon after months of being closed.

The road, a dividing line between Merrillville and Winfield, has been closed because of flooding between Arizona and Colorado streets.

The problem turned out to be several broken farm tiles that prevented water from draining.

Merrillville Public Works Director Bruce Spires said he went out to a farm south of the 101st Avenue on the Winfield side. Spires said he walked the field with the owner and saw holes in the ground indicating the broken farm tile.

"We dug a ditch to drain the water and once the water is drained, they will be able to replace their farm tile," he said, adding water levels in nearby ponds also were lowered.

Spires said the flooding problem should be resolved.

Merrillville Town Council President Shawn Pettit said Spires followed the issue from beginning to end and knew which way the water flowed in that area. Pettit said Spires also was able to obtain critical background information from property owners.

Merrillville officials, who have jurisdiction over 101st Avenue, initially had said the road would not be reopened until April 15.