Partially collapsed mine shuts down Route 291 in Independence indefinitely

Drivers are warned to avoid Route 291 in Independence after reports that the mine underneath the highway has partially collapsed.

Route 291 is built atop a mine and it developed a new crack on Thursday, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The highway closed at 5 p.m. and will be closed until further notice, according to MoDOT.

Local traffic will not be blocked at the state highway and Salisbury Road. Drivers on Route 291 can still exit northbound at Truman Road and southbound at U.S. 24.

Additional work zones are expected to pop up along the highway as the mine crack, and subsequent roadway cracking, is evaluated.

This story was originally published June 27, 2024 at 6:06 PM.

Ilana Arougheti

The Kansas City Star

913-608-9065

Ilana Arougheti (they/she) is The Kansas City Star’s Jackson County watchdog reporter, covering local government and accountability issues with a focus on eastern Jackson County .They are a graduate of Northwestern University, where she studied journalism, sociology and gender studies. Ilana most recently covered breaking news for The Star and previously wrote for the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and Raleigh News & Observer. Feel free to reach out with questions or tips! Support my work with a digital subscription