Monster sinkhole shuts down US Highway in Ohio

NEW HAVEN — U.S. 224, between Ohio 598 and 99, could be shut down for at least a week because of a growing sinkhole along the shoulder of the road.

Christine Myers, a spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Transportation, said the 30-foot-deep hole was discovered at about 8 a.m. Thursday by a Ohio Highway Patrol officer.

The area is between New Haven and Willard.

“He then contacted our county garage when he witnessed what had happened,” she said. “We closed off that area right away.”

No damage or injuries were reported.

“This is definitely not something that happens all the time,” Myers said. “It’s in the area of a culvert pipe that has deteriorated over time. Because of the extensive amount of rainfall, eventually the area gave way. We have to have a contractor come out to look at the culvert pipe, but until we do, the road will remain closed. We’re estimating it could be around a week before we can get someone out there.”

The detour for motorists traveling east: Drive north on Ohio 99, east on Ohio 103, then south on 598 to return to 224.

If traveling west, Myers said, the route will be the reverse.

“We do have the area barricaded and we do have detour signs for the entire detour,” she said. “The closure is for the public’s safety.”

The culvert pipe is owned by ODOT. MansfieldNewsJournal