By Belize Live News Staff: A section of the Hummingbird Highway is off limits to drivers, after a sinkhole in the roadway forced the authorities to shut it down for emergency repairs.
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing announced the temporary closure at Mile 17.5, saying the road had to be closed to all vehicular traffic following the appearance of the sinkhole. The closure comes after motorists earlier raised the alarm about the hole, which is located in the area of Billy Barquedier National Park.
The Ministry moved to reassure the public about the state of the road’s underlying structure. Following an initial engineering assessment by its technical team, it said the corrugated metal culvert beneath the road remains intact and functional. The problem, according to the Ministry, lies with the pavement and the embankment material above the culvert, which gave way and caused a localized collapse of the surface.
With safety in mind, the damaged stretch has been closed while crews carry out emergency stabilization and repair works. Drivers are being urged to steer clear of the area and to take alternative routes where they can, while also following all traffic control measures and the directions of personnel on the ground.
The Ministry said it recognizes the disruption the closure may cause and is working to complete the repairs as quickly as possible without compromising on safety. It added that updates, including word on when the road will reopen, will be provided as soon as more information is available.
For now, motorists who would normally use that part of the Hummingbird Highway are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
