Route 18 Sinkhole - North Beaver Twnp PA

In early April 1951, on a portion of Route 18 somewhere north of Moravia, the road began collapsing and falling onto the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) tracks below. Two separate tracks were soon closed. Within a week or so a 500-foot stretch of road had sunk away. Route 18 was closed to thru traffic and lengthy detours were setup. Beginning in mid-May officials attempted to dump slag to stop the sinkhole, but this effort proved futile. Additional property was soon purchased and it was decided to build a new section of highway a few hundred feet west of the sunken portion. The new section, about 1,500 in length, was opened for traffic on August 10, 1951. I believe this photo may have been taken in the vicinity of Gilmore Road. (Photo taken Apr 12, 1951) Full Size