Ohio Sinkhole Causes Highway To Collapse (Photo)

An Ohio sinkhole devoured several acres of land in Dover including a portion of State Highway 516 on Wednesday. The stretch of the highway, between Bair Rd. and Josephine St., has been closed for the time being.

Ohio Sinkhole Swallows Roadway

According to reports, the Ohio sinkhole measures 200 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 85 feet deep.  

Officials said it could take months before permanent repairs can be made.

"It's going to be a while before the road is open because this is a significant fix, and we're entering winter season where not a whole lot of construction can take place," Ohio Department of Transportation District 11 Director Lloyd McAdam told WKYC.

Traffic has been rerouted to State Route 39 and State Route 93, so motorists should expect delays.

The Ohio sinkhole is believed to be the result of years of sand dredging underneath a local lake. Dredging for sand may have eroded land at the edge of a pond.

The pond and the land which sank belong to the Newton Asphalt Company, which had been dredging for sand as much as 50 feet deep.

"A section of SR 516 has eroded due to the pond failure. Our engineers are currently reviewing the extent of damage to the roadway to determine necessary repairs," the department said in a news release.

There were no injuries reported.