New highway arround sinkhole

New highway may be constructed around giant sinkhole — Official: Could be built if La. 70 is “compromised”

Enenews,

16 December, 2012

Title: Sinkhole prompts study for possible alternative road 
Source: The Advocate
Author: David J. Mitchell
Date: December 16, 2012

State highway officials plan to start early next year with a six-month study into the feasibility of an alternative route around an 8-acre sinkhole in northern Assumption Parish. [...]

DOTD spokesman Dustin Annison said the study will determine if “the route could be built in the affected area in the event that La. 70 is compromised.” [...]

The announcement comes as community concerns linger about the long-term viability of the highway despite authorities’ assurances that the sinkhole does not appear to be threatening the future of La. 70. [...]

Jamie Ponville, owner of Pierre Part-based Jamie Ponville Trucking LLC, said people can see the sinkhole and the oil retardant booms surrounding the sinkhole from La. 70. [...]

“Most everybody I am speaking with are concerned about the highway,” Ponville said. “It’s our only access to the rest of the parish. If Highway 70 is shut down, we are shut down from the rest of the parish.” [...]

Some residents welcomed the look at an alternative route, fearing the sinkhole could affect the highway.

“Look what (the sinkhole’s) done so far,” Viki Arnold, 27, said. “Have they predicted anything it was gonna do? No. That thing’s going to do whatever … it wants. I don’t care what DNR or anybody else says.” [...]

Watch: Local resident filmed how close giant Louisiana sinkhole is to SR 70 -- "It is much bigger, and closer to the highway now" (VIDEO)