Traffic Stopped: Gigantic Boulder Crashes Onto Ohio Highway

CHESAPEAKE, OH — Massive boulders are currently blocking a highway in southern Ohio. The collision between the asphalt on S.R. 7 and the gigantic rocks appears to have created deep cracks on the road. Recent rainfall and other inclement weather may have played a part in the rocks sliding down a hill and onto the roadway.

The boulders fell onto the highway early on Monday morning. Jackhammers are being used to break up the boulder into manageable sizes.

Crews have been working around the clock to clear the boulders and other debris from the road. ODOT also issued an emergency contract with DGM for additional crews.

After the boulders and other rocks are cleared away, ODOT will need to assess the pavement and make necessary repairs to the highway. The rock slide the guardrail, which will have to be repaired after the boulders are cleared.

Some outlets are reporting that it could take as long as two weeks to make S.R. 7 usable again.

S.R. 7 in Lawrence County was closed Monday between the U.S. 52 interchange and S.R. 527 at Chesapeake. The Ohio Department of Transportation has said it is unsure how long clean-up will take.

Drivers are being detoured by way of U.S. 52, the 17th and 6th Street bridges and I-64 in Huntington, West Virginia.

Photo from Ohio Department of Transportation