Powell County Sinkhole KY

A recent roadbed collapse near Slade Hill has caught the attention of eastern Kentucky. State geologists say the instability comes from limestone formations under the surface. This is common in areas where sinkholes often form.

This area is different from places like Bowling Green, where a 2014 Corvette Museum collapse happened. Here, sandstone and soluble bedrock mix, leading to gradual erosion risks.

The Transportation Cabinet has studied the infrastructure’s weaknesses. The 1963 construction of Mountain Parkway used concrete and asphalt. These layers hid the subsurface weaknesses for years. Water erosion then weakened the sediments, creating hidden cavities under the road.

Maps from the geological survey show where sinkholes are most common. These areas are near Tunnel Ridge Road and Slade Hill. They follow natural drainage patterns and limestone bedrock fractures.

Such events are different from sudden collapses in pure limestone areas. The mix of sandstone and softer layers leads to slow erosion. This knowledge helps engineers in Kentucky’s complex geological areas.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Powell County has seen many sinkholes in the last 20 years. These events show the ongoing risks and how we’re learning to fix them.

2020 Mountain Parkway Closure

In October 2020, a road collapse on Mountain Parkway’s westbound lanes closed it down. Engineers found a 15-foot-deep hole under the asphalt. This was after previous repairs failed.

Infrastructure Impact & Detour Management

The closure affected 35% of commercial traffic between Powell County and Lexington. To fix this, officials worked day and night:

• They used steel-reinforced concrete slabs for repairs.
• A 19-mile detour was set up on KY 15.
• They worked with local businesses to adjust supply chains.

Church Street Near-Miss Incident

In 2020, a backhoe operator almost got hurt by a sinkhole on Church Street. The investigation found:

• Old sewage lines from 1972 were damaged.
• Water erosion had gone 28 feet underground.
• Foundation checks were needed for six nearby homes.

Both incidents needed careful repair plans. They used gravel and special asphalt. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet now scans roads with radar to find problems early.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Powell County homes face four main sinkhole risks. These include old buildings, heavy rain, limestone close to the surface, and bad drainage. Rain in December 2020 was 58% more than usual, making sinkholes more likely.

Homeowners should check their foundations for cracks over ¼ inch every month. They should also watch for sudden water pooling in their yards. The KY Geological Survey interactive sinkhole map helps find out if your area is at risk.

Before starting any landscaping or building, talk to a licensed engineer. They can check if the ground is stable. Insurance often needs a special rider for sinkhole coverage in high-risk areas.

If you see a road sinking or your ground settling, call the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at (859) 246-2359. Keeping gutters clean and moving downspouts away from foundations is key to preventing sinkholes.

Managing groundwater is a big help in preventing sinkholes. The KY Geological Survey can give free help to check soil and suggest ways to stabilize it. Regular checks and professional advice can protect your home from sinkholes.

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