Subsidence in Albers, Ill. continues to worsen roads
ALBERS, Ill. – Large bumps on a busy stretch of highway in Albers, IL., have residents and elected officials concerned.
The Illinois Department of Transportation is making repairs to U.S. Highway 161 as more bumps pop up after a recent subsidence from the mines.
Some drivers said they avoid the highway completely and others said the bumps are causing damage to cars before IDOT has had a chance to make repairs.
“They’ve been out here a lot. They had a full crew out here today and over the weekend, they had six or seven guys out here. A smaller crew, they’re trying their best to make the road passable and safe,” Mayor Steve Schomaker said.
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There have been three subsidence’s from the mines in less than a week, each of which brings bumps to the highway. Schomaker said IDOT plans on making repairs to the entire stretch of highway in the summer.
The big question residents want to know is: once the repairs and repaving are complete, will they see more problems pop up?
“IDOT and Exxon engineers they feel that once it quits settling—which we know it is still settling in this area right now because the homes are still making noises and creaking and cracking—they are confident that once it stops, it will not happen again,” Schomaker said.
IDOT will be in the area for new surveys after the latest subsidence. Schomaker said state officials are also looking into ways to use state funds for studies in the area.
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