MORGAN COUNTY, AL (WAFF) -
Emergency work is needed to fix a major shift underneath the highway on I-65 northbound near the Hartselle exit in Morgan County.
That's very close to where a large sinkhole shut down I-65 in 2010. It could happen again.
An Alabama Department of Transportation official said they are surveying the scope of the problem and devising a plan of action.
ALDOT spokesperson Tony Harris said the slope has shifted - a sort of underground mudslide. So, the earth that supports that section of the road's northbound lane is eroding.
ALDOT knew about the problem in late 2010.
The heavy rainfall in recent weeks forced them to take emergency action.
"By Monday, we expect to have a contractor in place to make the repairs for the department. And, at that time, we'll know whether lane closures or even detours may be necessary," said Harris.
Just two miles south of this slide, in 2010, a massive sinkhole caused a 16 mile detour running right through 36 in Hartselle.
People we spoke with said they can handle the hassle if it means making 65 safe.
"If it shifts any more, it's going to cause a lot of wrecks - especially if it shifts during a busy time of day," said Hartselle resident, Jeremy Smith.
Alabama is prone to sinkholes and slides. A second 65 sinkhole sank in Pelham in 2010.
"If the ground is not stable under 65, this is the first I've heard of it. If the ground's not stable, we need to get something done about it," said Trey Miller, who drives on I-65 daily.
The ALDOT official said we could get an update as early as Friday. Watch WAFF 48 News and check us out online for the latest information.
A police official tells us they've been advised by the DOT that there may be a detour through Hartselle during the road work. We'll stay on top of it for you.
Copyright 2012 WAFF. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WSFA, a Raycom Media Station. 