Stretch Of U.S. 40 Closed Due To Large Sinkhole In Road
DENVER (CBS4) - Both directions of U.S. 40 from Soda Creek to El Rancho had to be closed on Tuesday due to a sinkhole in the road.
Crystal Morgan with the Colorado Department of Transportation said in a statement that the sinkhole was approximately 8 feet wide.
https://twitter.com/ColoradoDOT/statuses/456138658869825536
"Crews will be replacing a pipe with upgraded materials that is 10 feet deep and 100 feet long in order to handle the increased water flow and stabilize the area," Morgan said.
A motorist reported it to CDOT after noticing what looked like a sinkhole next to the road.
CDOT said spring rains washed away the culvert below the road meaning it could have been just a matter of time before the road collapsed.
The highway is expected to be closed overnight for repairs.
Crews say the repair process and closure will be lengthy but with spring run off it 's important to repair it now.
"Due to the expecting spring rain it's in our best interest to replace it with a sturdier pipe," said Morgan.
Drivers heading to Evergreen should continue on Interstate 70 to the Chief Hosa exit.