Sinkhole Causes Hicks Lane Closures

A 20-foot sinkhole has opened along and under Hicks Road near Dundee Road, Palatine police said.

The sinkhole forced the closure of all northbound lanes on Hicks. Traffic has been shifted to the southbound lanes, reducing Hicks to one lane of traffic in each direction, Palatine Fire Department Battalion Chief William Gabrenya said.

Gabrenya said the sinkhole opened because of a sewer line collapsed beneath the street following the Saturday, July 23 rain .

Motorists are advised to avoid the Hicks and Dundee intersection if at all possible.

Gabrenya said it was possible that Hicks might be closed depending on the extent of the repair work that is needed.

"It's probably an all week thing," Gabrenya said. "It's a pretty extensive job."

The sewer line will be repaired by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago. The road will be repaired by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Hicks is down to one lane in the area as officials from the Illinois Department of Transportation assess the situation. Police said the lane closure is causing some delays and residents should avoid the intersection if at all possible.

Midtown Athletic Club suggested on its Facebook page that people access the club from Dundee Road.