LOS FRESNOS — The Texas Department of Transportation is working to repair a sinkhole that was reported early yesterday on State Highway 100 west of Los Fresnos.
TxDOT spokesman Octavio Saenz said a contractor was filling the sinkhole and preparing to put down an asphalt overlay yesterday afternoon, and work is expected to be completed by this afternoon.
The sinkhole appeared between Interstate 69 and FM 803, and affected the westbound shoulder and right lane. Traffic was reduced to two lanes near the site, with westbound traffic on the right lane and eastbound traffic on the shoulder.
Los Fresnos City Manager Mark Milum said the sinkhole was reported to city authorities about 7 a.m. Wednesday. While the area is outside Los Fresnos jurisdiction, he said city police and fire department secured the area to prevent injuries or property damage until Cameron County and TxDOT crews could arrive.
Tom Hushen, Cameron County emergency management coordinator, said the sinkhole appeared to measure 15 feet wide and 8 feet deep when he arrived at the scene but added that crews had not finished pumping out water at that time. What caused the sinkhole isn’t yet known, he said.
Water and natural gas pipeline companies were at the site to ensure excavators did not hit their lines, Hushen said. A natural gas pipeline runs 17 feet under the road.
Hushen cautioned drivers to heed all warning signs and drive slowly in the area as crews complete repairs.
Saenz said the cost of road work will be available today.
