ROCKVILLE — Aging infrastructure is the suspected cause of sinkholes that have developed around Rockville.
Old sewer and storm lines led to a small sinkhole on Parkwood Drive and a much larger sinkhole on Howard Street between Virginia and Jefferson streets.
After crews examined the damage on Howard Street, they realized the 25-30 foot sinkhole was too large for the city to handle. An emergency town council meeting was held Tuesday to approve $30,000 for a contractor to complete the work.
Later that evening, a third sinkhole was discovered at Howard and Walton; however, crews were able to repair the small hole by late Wednesday morning. They determined the third sinkhole was caused by an old tree root that gave way.
“We’re doing everything we can to stay on top of these,” town liaison Jeff Eslinger said.
Eslinger noted that the town is currently in the middle of a $1.5 million project that includes sewer line maintenance and repairs at the waste water treatment facility. He said the project will hopefully prevent other sinkholes from forming.
