A sinkhole on Interstate 495 caused by a water main break is causing traffic delays in the Haverhill, Massachusetts, area. The work is not expected to be complete until Tuesday.
Massachusetts State Police said the water main break was first reported around 7 a.m. Monday. A sinkhole started forming in the breakdown lane on I-495 south, just after exit 106 in Haverhill. The right lane was shut down.
Drivers were warned to expect delays in the area Monday, with possibly "major" impacts to traffic through the Methuen-Haverhill corridor and the interchanges at routes 213, 110, 97 and 125.
In an update later Monday, police said that the two right lanes had to be closed, causing backup on I-495 as well as other roads in the area.
The water main won't be repaired until Monday evening, and the lanes will need to be closed through the afternoon on Tuesday, given the extensive damage to the pavement and the roadbed, police said.
"Travelers should expect significant traffic backups through rush hour commutes both today and tomorrow," police said in a statement.
