A deep and growing sinkhole is devouring a road in the Little River Canyon National Preserve near Fort Payne.

Park Ranger Larry Beane said Backcountry Road 105 between Hartline Ford and Road 08 has been blocked off using barricades and signs.

According to information contained in a news release – a deep sinkhole has collapsed in the middle of the road and the hole is still growing, it is unsafe to drive over or around this sinkhole; the extra weight could collapse more of the road.

He said the problem is caused by water from a spring under the road. The rough winter weather has made conditions dangerous in parts of the park, he added. Snow and rain have left backcountry roads soft and unstable, and creeks and rivers are running high and fast.

Beane said that attempting to cross the river or creeks at this time may result in injuries, loss to life, damage to vehicles, and criminal charges or financial restitution.

People who need to reach the Hartline area should use roads 09 and 05 north or roads 08 and 07 to access the management area south of Hartline, or come in from the south on Road 05.