LYNN, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) - Sinkholes are a danger experts say keeps growing because of aging systems under the roads.
In just two weeks there have been five sinkholes on busy roads and highways in our area.
- Aug. 11: A water main break caused two sinkholes in East Boston
- Aug. 19: A city storm drained collapsed causing a massive sinkhole on the busy I-93 North corridor in Concord, New Hampshire
- Aug. 21: A sewer line collapsed in Lynn causing this sinkhole
- Aug. 25 A sinkhole opened up on I-495 in Tewksbury
Crews in Lynn have been working to repair a sinkhole that opened up on Friday for several days.
“No one wants it to happen to them so I think they should fix it,” Joe Hastings said.
For drivers like Hastings, sinkholes aren't an issue they usually think about but now it's becoming a major concern.
“When you talk about the volume of traffic...anything could happen,” Dan McNichol, an infrastructure expert, said.
McNichol specifically pointed to the sinkhole on I-93. A spokesman for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation said because developing sinkholes aren't visible above ground they're difficult to predict. He said the DOT is now working with local cities to inspect pipes and bridges more frequently to see if holes could develop.
These sinkholes aren’t just a temporary disturbance; some experts say they could have a major impact on the state’s economy.