MADISONVILLE, Ky. (April 16, 2026) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has awarded an emergency contract to Lexington-based Geospecialties to address mine subsidence concerns along Interstate 69 near the 111-mile marker in Hopkins County.
This will result in lane closures and traffic delays beginning Friday, April 17.
This project is part of KYTC’s ongoing efforts to monitor and stabilize a section of roadway impacted by historic underground mining activity.
In July 2025, KYTC engineers identified a suspected ground settlement along the northbound shoulder of I-69 following an extended dry period that occurred after record rainfall earlier in the year. Initial repairs were completed; however, within days, a subsurface void developed beneath the shoulder, causing a portion of the roadway to sink.
In coordination with the Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML), engineers excavated the affected area and discovered a previously undocumented underground mine approximately 18 to 20 feet below the surface.
Crews were able to excavate down to the suspected collapse, which was in the proximity of a failing underground cross-drain located near the previously unknown mine works. It was believed at that time that the drainage tile was the cause of the subsidence and repairs were made.
During repairs, AML was able to lower a camera into the mine works, confirming that old mine works existed at the location. The camera inspection also indicated groundwater levels within the mine had recently dropped. Abandoned underground mines typically fill with water over time, and that water creates hydrostatic pressure that helps support the mine’s roof and pillars. When groundwater levels decline, that stabilizing pressure is reduced, increasing the likelihood that pillars or roof sections may settle or collapse, leading to surface subsidence.
AML officials confirmed there are no records of permitted mining at that location and depth since modern record-keeping began in the 1960s. Available data suggests the mine may date back to as early as the 1920s.
Since the initial incident, KYTC has conducted extensive monitoring along a one-mile stretch of I-69 in both directions. These efforts include:
- Drilling numerous bore holes to detect subsurface voids
- Conducting repeated geotechnical evaluations
- Utilizing vehicle-based LiDAR technology capable of detecting roadway movement at millimeter-level precision
The most recent round of subsurface drilling was completed approximately one month ago.
Two weeks ago, a sinkhole developed along the edge of the northbound driving lane. KYTC crews closed the affected lane within minutes, and engineers, along with AML representatives, were on-site within an hour to assess conditions.
The event was determined to be the result of a new collapse approximately 50 feet from the damage from last year. The void was excavated and filled with flowable fill concrete to stabilize the area until a full repair could be made.
Due to the absence of historical mine maps, the full extent and layout of the underground workings remain unknown. Utilizing data gathered from numerous bore holes drilled over the last eight months, KYTC engineers from District 2 and Central Office have developed a comprehensive repair identifies voids and unstable areas beneath the roadway.
KYTC crews will be removing the existing northbound fast lane closure today, in preparation for the contractor to begin operations tomorrow. Right lane closures are expected to be put in place on Friday as Geospecialties begins placing equipment at or near the job site.
Beginning Monday, April 20, the contractor will initiate subsurface stabilization operations, which will include injecting grout into underground mine voids. This method, commonly used by AML, involves pumping a specialized grout mixture into subsurface cavities to fill voids, restore ground stability, and reduce the risk of future collapses.
The project will begin with right lane closures, and then switch to fast lane closures as it progresses. KYTC will update motorists as early as possible prior to any changes to traffic flow.
The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of July.
Motorists should expect lane closures and possible delays in the work zone during this project. KYTC urges drivers to use caution, reduce speed, and remain alert for changing traffic patterns.
Comments