DALLAS — A 30-foot deep sinkhole shut down a Dallas County road on Friday morning, officials said.
Deputies responded Friday morning to a call about a traffic hazard in the 1300 block of Malloy Bridge Road near Ferris in southeastern Dallas County. A caller had reported that a large part of the roadway was missing, creating a large hole.
When deputies arrived, that's what they found -- a 10-foot long, 30-foot deep sinkhole along the side of the road.
Deputies blocked Malloy Bridge Road between Parkinson and Cook roads "to ensure no one falls into the large hole in the roadway."
Sinkholes occur when the ground below the surface can no longer support the land, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Typically, they form so slowly that little change is noticeable, but they can form suddenly when a collapse occurs.
The road remained closed at 9:30 a.m. as crews worked to repair the sinkhole.
Friday afternoon, Commissioner Price went to the sinkhole to assess the damage. Officials estimate it will take about 2 to 3 months to repair. The sinkhole will be filled with dirt until repairs are complete.
Until then traffic will be diverted through Malloy Bridge Circle and barricades have been put up at Cook Road and Malloy Bridge Circle Road.