Route 12, Route 59 ramp closed because of hole in road

Two busy Lake County roads were closed for a short time early Tuesday afternoon because of a large hole in the pavement on Route 12 over Route 59 near Fox Lake.

Northbound Route 12 was closed north of Route 59 and the southbound Route 59 ramp to Route 12 was closed as a result. Both were reopened as of about 2:40 p.m., although northbound Route 12 was reduced to a single lane until repairs can be made.

Representatives from the Illinois Department of Transportation were on the scene but details about when the hole formed, when it was reported and when it will be repaired were not immediately available. The hole is about two feet across and is supported with metal rebar to keep concrete from falling through.

Dan Miller, head of the Fox Lake street department, said the Route 12 bridge over Route 59 is a state road and it is up to IDOT to complete any potential long term repairs.

“But, anyone who has driven over the bridge recently has seen some concrete wear and tear,” he said. “The state has come out when there has been some issues, and patched it when necessary.”