Sinkhole closes U.S. 64

April 25 - Nonlocal traffic along U.S. 64 in both directions was turned around today after a portion of the highway broke off and collapsed about 6 feet downward.

Kevin Hinson, chief manager for Mountain States Contractor says he first heard about the road collapse around 12:00 a.m. today when he was awakened by a call from a Tennessee state trooper.

"This is a pretty major thing," Hinson said. "Of course, that goes back to what you’ve always heard – nothing good ever happens after midnight."

Before the road collapse, Mountain States was in the midst of a construction project on the side of the road opposite to the damage. From Hinson’s observations, he believes the damage occurred when a nearby sinkhole or cave opened.

But despite the few yards between Mountain States’ work and the collapse, Hinson says the ongoing project played no role in the damage.

"This was Mother Nature," Hinson said. "We did not touch this."

Once Hinson arrived to the affected area, he says the scene was not what he pictured. Instead of pieces of U.S. 64 breaking off and sliding away, Hinson said a portion of the roadway as well as nearby trees sank straight down.

To repair the damage, Hinson says Mountain States plans to work around the clock to make the road navigable for traffic between Wayne and Hardin County.

Hinson projects the highway will reopen by Tuesday at the latest.