MDOT begins reinforcements on M-20 sinkhole, reopening timeline still undetermined
A sinkhole on M-20, caused by a failed culvert on Thursday, March 12, is being secured and is on its way to being fixed, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation in an email to Central Michigan Life Tuesday night.
"MDOT has secured several sections of concrete pipe to temporarily replace the failed culvert," MDOT Communications Representative Caitlyn French wrote. "Crews are currently completing survey and hydraulic work ahead of laying the new concrete pipes later this week and weekend.
"Following excavation work, concrete pavement will be laid and require a few days of cure time to gain strength before the road can be reopened to traffic."
French wrote that the timeline for repairs and the reopening of the roadway is subject to change depending on weather and material availability.
Michigan State Police were one of the first to respond to the formation of the sinkhole after it caused “disabling injuries” to a 2010 GMC pickup truck around 2 a.m. last Thursday.
MDOT responded to the sinkhole around 4 a.m. and has been assessing the roadway since.
French said that the department and other officials are monitoring the potential for sinkholes and other hazards on the road this time of year as rainfall freezes and thaws.
MDOT currently has detours via County Line Road to Blanchard Road to Coldwater Road, and a separate truck route via Winn Road, M-46 and M-66.
