Sinkhole requires tons of riprap

Eslinger Road collapse filled with truckloads of riprap after sinkhole formed

Jefferson County Highway Department crews worked for several hours Monday evening, Aug. 18–21, 2025, to address a sinkhole on Eslinger Road in the Strawberry Plains area that developed into a small cave beneath the roadway. Highway Department Superintendent Joe Patterson said crews filled the void with what he estimated to be “10 or 12 (dump) truck loads, about 100- to 150-tons of riprap” to stabilize the area and restore the road.

Patterson and his crew responded after a portion of the road collapsed, exposing an underground cavity beneath the pavement. County crews worked to fill the cave with heavy rock (riprap) and compact backfill to prevent further subsidence and make the roadway safe for traffic. The effort required multiple dump-truck loads and heavy equipment over several hours.

Response and repairs

• Crews secured the scene and assessed the extent of the collapse.
• Approximately 100–150 tons of riprap (10–12 truck loads) were placed in the cavity to stabilize the void.
• Heavy equipment compacted the material and restored the roadway surface.
• No injuries were reported in connection with the collapse.

What to expect and safety tips

Officials advise motorists to exercise caution in the area and obey any temporary traffic controls while repairs are underway. Sinkholes and sudden road collapses can be caused by a range of factors including erosion from stormwater, aging drainage infrastructure, or changes in groundwater flow. Residents who notice new or expanding cracks, depressions, or sagging pavement should report them to Jefferson County Highway Department.

Reporting: Mark Brown, Staff Writer. Source: The Standard Banner. Read original story.

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