Big Old Sinkhole Closes Bates Exit of I-55 in St. Louis [PHOTOS]

MoDOT has closed the off ramp, and part of a nearby street, for now

Jan 30, 2024 at 12:59 pm

MoDOT crews work to repair a sinkhole that formed at the intersection of Bates Avenue and Interstate 55 on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. ZACHARY LINHARES

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The Missouri Department of Transportation closed the Bates Avenue exit ramp of I-55 last night, as well as a portion of Michigan Avenue, due to what they describe as a "pavement collapse."

The sinkhole was in evidence while crews worked on site this morning and appeared to be more than a few feet deep.

In a short press release, MoDOT said it was "evaluating the situation at the base of the ramp and will determine what actions need to be taken before the ramp can safely be reopened."

The chasm only adds to the annoyances on I-55 lately, which is under a major reconstruction that has lanes narrowed to allow work crews to operate. MoDOT now recommends drivers detour to Loughborough Avenue, turn left and follow Loughborough to South Broadway, turn left and follow South Broadway back to Bates.

Sinkholes in Missouri are often associated with the area's karst topography and are sometimes naturally occurring. But the state Department of Natural Resources notes they can also be associated with man-made features — which seems more than likely on a highway off-ramp.

See Zachary Linhares' photos of the scene below:

click to enlarge

ZACHARY LINHARES

A closer look at the pavement collapse that's closed the Bates Avenue off ramp.

click to enlarge

ZACHARY LINHARES

The sinkhole encompasses a significant part of the off ramp.

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About The Author

Sarah Fenske

Sarah Fenske is the executive editor of the RFT and its sister papers. She is the former host of St. Louis on the Air and continues to host its Legal Roundtable, as well participating as an occasional panelist on Nine PBS' Donnybrook. She lives in St. Louis.

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