A sinkhole that appeared today at the intersection of Rover Boulevard and NM-4 in White Rock. Courtesy photo

A second photo of the sinkhole that appeared Wednesday in an area of NM-4 that had recently been repaved. Courtesy photo

BY MAIRE O’NEILL
losalamosreporter.com

Motorists in White Rock were taken by surprise Wednesday when they discovered the hard way that a sinkhole had appeared by the NM-4/Rover Boulevard intersection. Community members told the Reporter that Department of Public Utilities personnel responded quickly and placed red traffic cones around the hole. Photos show that at least one white vehicle may have been damaged. The Department of Transportation were also on the scene. Several vehicles reportedly drove across the sinkhole, which fortunately was not very deep.

A news release from Los Alamos County says the hole is under the right turning lane for eastbound traffic on NM-4, slightly west of the intersection.

“Once a repair operation has begun, it is not expected to close the non-turning eastbound lane of traffic, however drivers are asked to pass the area patiently and cautiously. As of 2 p.m., no estimate for repair time has been determined”.