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Jacksonville Highway Closures Due to Sinkhole Concerns

Highway closure sign and erosion site in Jacksonville.

News Summary

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has implemented road closures and evacuations in response to possible sinkholes and severe ground erosion in the Kernan Boulevard area. Multiple southbound lanes on Interstate 95 remain closed as authorities investigate reports of ground instability largely attributed to recent heavy rainfall. Residents in nearby subdivisions have expressed fears for the safety of their homes as erosion threatens properties. Evacuations have also taken place at the Oaks At Normandy Apartments due to concerns over structural integrity.

Jacksonville, Florida: Possible Sinkhole and Ground Erosion Cause Highway Closures and Evacuations

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) has closed several sections of Kernan Boulevard South and blocked southbound traffic on Interstate 95 due to concerns over possible sinkholes and significant ground erosion. The highway closures and evacuations were prompted by alarming reports of ground instability in the area.

JSO first issued an alert at approximately 4:20 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024. All southbound lanes on Kernan Boulevard South at Alumni Drive have been closed until further notice as authorities assess the situation. The Florida Highway Patrol reported a sinkhole incident occurred around 3:31 p.m. on the right shoulder of southbound I-95, south of Phillips Highway, which initially appeared to be another cause for concern. However, it was later confirmed that the issue on I-95 was actually a large washout, rather than a true sinkhole, though caution is still advised in the area. As of 10 p.m. on the same day, the right-center lane, right lane, and the exit ramp to Philips Highway from southbound I-95 remained closed to traffic.

Residents of the Timber Oaks subdivision have raised alarms about landslides affecting their properties. Neighborhood reports indicate that backyards adjacent to a retention pond have begun to sink, with one resident noting the situation worsening significantly over the last two weeks. The erosion has resulted in a landslide that has now reached a depth of approximately six feet, with the potential to threaten the stability of homes in the area. Experts, including a geologist, suggest that recent heavy rainfall—recorded at over nine inches since the prior Tuesday—combined with excessive water pressure from the pond is likely contributing to the erosion.

In response to the growing concerns, a geotechnical engineer has recommended that residents might need stabilization efforts, which could involve constructing a seawall or a steel sheet pile wall to secure the affected areas.

In addition to the residents in Timber Oaks, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) has evacuated occupants from the Oaks At Normandy Apartments due to ground erosion encroaching upon the building’s foundation. Emergency responders declared the structure unsafe for occupancy after confirming that erosion had exposed its foundational elements. A total of 24 apartment units have been identified as at risk, and residents affected by the evacuation are encouraged to seek temporary shelter with family or friends while decisions regarding the building’s safety are made.

The exact cause of the ground collapse surrounding the apartment complex has not been fully assessed, and further evaluations will be necessary to determine the long-term implications for residents and infrastructure in the area. With continued rain forecasted, experts warn that the situation could further deteriorate, impacting additional properties and public safety in Jacksonville.

City officials are closely monitoring the situation and working with various agencies to ensure community safety and implement necessary interventions. The closures and evacuations serve as a reminder of the impacts that natural occurrences like heavy rainfall can have on the stability of urban landscapes and housing developments.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed and heed any further warnings or advisories from local authorities as assessments of the situation continue.