The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) closed the Bankhead Tunnel in downtown Mobile Thursday for emergency utility repairs.
Public information officer James Gordon told 1819 News a water main break caused a minor sinkhole in the tunnel. Crews are working on a temporary repair and expect the tunnel to remain closed overnight.
Gordon said the sinkhole was discovered during a routine inspection. ALDOT contacted the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) to respond.
“It's underneath the asphalt on the main road and it's a pipe that belongs to MAWSS,” Gordon explained. “So, you know, there's all kinds of utilities that run alongside the tunnel. One of those is water.”
A permanent repair will be conducted at a later date. Gordon said there are no structural issues with the tunnel.
The Bankhead Tunnel was closed last month for planned overnight maintenance.
ALDOT urges drivers to find alternate routes and to use the ALGO app for updates.
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