Sinkhole shuts down Floating Feather Road in Ada County — for a good while

A stretch of Floating Feather Road is closed in Eagle after a gaping sinkhole formed between Eagle Road and Ballantyne Lane, officials said Thursday.

Extensive work will be needed to repair the pavement, and though exactly how long that will take is not yet known, the Ada County Highway District said it could be closed until at least the start of the school year, which is Aug. 13 in the West Ada district.

The closure applies not just to vehicle traffic, but also to bicyclists and pedestrians, ACHD said in a press release. Local access will be maintained for residents by detouring to Beacon Light Road to the north.

The sinkhole formed in the westbound lane of Floating Feather between Eagle Road and Downing Drive late Wednesday evening. The surface opening is about 3 feet in diameter, and the hole extends roughly 7 feet underground, according to ACHD.

Local water company Veolia Idaho Operations is investigating the cause of the sinkhole. There was a water main break in the same area this week, according to the press release, but it’s not certain whether that played a role.

At first, Veolia helped make temporary patchwork repairs to the sinkhole opening, and the road was open using the eastbound lane, ACHD said. But after further evaluation, a full closure was necessary so long-term repairs could be done.

A better timeline for repairs will be provided once crews know the full extent of the underground damage, according to ACHD.

“Every effort will be made to reopen the roadway before the start of the school year,” the press release stated.