On Highway 101 near Newport, Oregon, recent rainfall may have caused a sinkhole to develop, putting drivers and local residents at risk.
The Oregon State Police are advising drivers to be cautious when approaching milepost 144. There will also be delays on Highway 101 as crews work to repair the sinkhole, forcing the road down to one lane of traffic. Oregon Department of Transportation crews have been monitoring the erosion around the potential sinkhole and are developing a detour for motorists to take around the hazard, Portland news source KGW reported.
Due to the heavy rainfall common to Portland and other parts of Oregon, ODOT issued guidelines to help drivers and residents avoid slides, flood and other water-related problems. Residents should make sure their cars are prepared for inclement weather, including carrying a spare tire, keeping windshield wipers in good condition and having a fully charged battery.
In addition, vehicles should be stocked with various survival tools if drivers have to pull over, such as rechargeable flashlight, cellphone, flares and extra warm clothes. Drivers are cautioned to drive slowly because heavy rains create slick surfaces and can cause obstacles in the road such as large debris or sinkholes.
