TxDOT crews are working 70-foot deep sinkhole in Cottle County

COTTLE CO., Texas (KFDA) - TxDOT crews are actively working on a nearly 70′ deep sinkhole near Paducah.

Earlier this week, TxDOT officials were alerted about a sinkhole nearly 40′ wide by 70′ deep in Cottle County right outside of Paducah.

TxDOT has closed FM 1038 from County Road 485 to 489 and placed barricades around the area.

As of Tuesday morning, the size of the sinkhole has increased.

Crews have been hauling materials to the site to prepare for filling the sinkhole.

TxDOT estimates that it will take approximately 4,000 cubic yards of material to fill the hole — equivalent to 400 dump truck loads.

The department released a statement saying, “This stretch of road will remain closed until the sinkhole is filled, the roadway repaired, and inspections confirm it’s safe for travel. In the meantime, TxDOT is urging the public to stay away from the sinkhole area due to unstable ground conditions. Driving around barricades is not only dangerous, it is against the law. Your safety is at risk and our crews need to stay focused on repairs rather than redirecting traffic.”

They will keep the public up-to-date on the progress as well as the anticipated date for reopening the road. Updates can be found on TxDOT’s Childress District Facebook and Twitter pages.

As of right now, TxDOT has not confirmed a reason for this sinkhole, but is urging the public to stay away from the area.