KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — What was thought to be a sinkhole developed on a section of Route 202 in King of Prussia. PennDOT says drivers may experience delays because of a partial road closure.
PennDOT discovered what is now being classified as "soft soil" on a section of Route 202 northbound between Henderson Road and Saulin Boulevard on Wednesday. The left lane is closed as crews work on repairs.
PennDOT's Deputy Communications Director Brad Rudolph noted the technicality late Thursday but did not disclose a timetable for when repairs would be complete.
Officials ask drivers to give themselves extra time on their commutes in the area because of the potential for “significant backups and delays.” Local access would still be available for residents and businesses.
Sinkholes developed on this same stretch of Route 202 in July and December 2023. There were closures, setbacks, big delays — and frustrated drivers. Some businesses along the busy road were affected as customers stayed away during construction, and employees had a tougher time getting to work.
So, why do sinkholes keep forming? Rudolph blames the limestone bedrock, “which is susceptible to erosion a little bit quicker than other bedrock, and that’ll cause voids,” he explained. “Water infiltrates rather easily and can cause problems.”
It is a long-term issue that requires a long-term fix, so PennDOT said crews will work on a “comprehensive sinkhole remediation project” on Route 202 at some point this summer.
A similar project will take place on Route 29 in East Whiteland Township, Chester County, where a sinkhole developed earlier this week.