Photo: Lenoir County Emergency Services Facebook page.

Crews from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) are working to repair a large sinkhole that developed on Dunn Family Road near Girl Scout Road, just outside the city limits of Kinston. The sinkhole, which was reported on Sunday, was caused by heavy rainfall that led to a break or separation in a pipe running beneath the road.

Justin Howard, the bridge maintenance engineer for Division 2 of NCDOT, explained the situation on-site. "We're in the process of setting up pumps and hoses to dewater. We're going to have to pump this water around, dry the hole out, and put the new pipe in," Howard said in a video interview.

The pipe under the road was separated at a joint, causing the heavy rainwater to drain into the pipe and flow out, which saturated the ground beneath the road. This saturation ultimately led to the road’s collapse. NCDOT crews have been working throughout the day to clear the water and begin repairs.

"We've had the hydraulic recommendation done. We'll be putting the pipe together tomorrow," Howard said. "We got to dry the hole out to be able to replace this pipe."

The repair process has been complicated by scattered rainstorms, which have slowed efforts to pump the water out and dry the area. However, Howard expressed confidence that progress would be made in the coming days. "By the end of the week, we'll have all the repairs made, at least have rock on it. I don't know that we'll have asphalt on it by the end of the week, but we'll at least have the pipes back in and the road open to traffic," he noted.

Howard also stressed the importance of safety during these weather events, urging residents to heed warnings and road closures. "We're having these events, this high water. Please pay attention to the high water signs and just be mindful that something like this could occur," he said.

Local officials continue to monitor the situation closely, especially as the Neuse River is expected to crest later this week at a moderate flood stage. This could potentially result in additional lowland flooding, impacting more roads and properties in the area.

Residents are advised to avoid driving through standing water and to detour around closed roads. The NCDOT emphasizes that road closures are implemented for public safety, and alternative routes should be used whenever possible.

As repair work continues, the NCDOT and local officials will provide updates to keep the public informed about road conditions and safety precautions.