Michael Bushnell

Northeast News

KANSAS CITY – Emergency work has begun on the culverts and storm drains that surround the Benton Circle.

The city placed barriers around the gaping sinkhole that has grown exponentially over the last few months. The Northeast News posted an update a few months back on the construction work after speaking with city engineers about the situation.

However, the erosion has continued to undermine the sidewalk and roadway, hastening the emergency fix to the issue.

According to Mike Wiseman, a Construction Superintendent with Leath & Sons Contracting in Raytown, MO., the company contracted to do the work, the erosion has completely undermined the sidewalk and was starting to impede on the roadway.

“You took your life in your hands if you walked that sidewalk” Wiseman said. “We’re going to put in some fill and then re-route the drains which will hopefully cure the issue,” Wiseman said.

No estimate was given on the time needed to fix the issue, only that it would be a substantial job.