HAVERHILL — A sinkhole sent state and local policee to Interstate 495 on Monday morning, creating traffic delays and headaches for drivers throughout the region.
The southbound lanes of I-495 south in Haverhill experienced heavy traffic backups due to a sinkhole created by a water main breaking below the surface of the highway, causing the rightmost lane to cave in just after exit 106. Haverhill’s Department of Public Works has begun restoring the highway as the incident continues to impact drivers through the Methuen-Haverhill corridor.
DPW was first notified of the incident at about 7 p.m. Sunday. State police arrived minutes later to assess the damage and closed the two far right lanes. DPW Director Robert E. Ward said the repair work was postponed until Monday morning to avoid working in the dark overnight.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation and N. Granese & Sons, a private contractor, are working alongside DPW on the repairs. The pipes will be fixed and the sinkhole will be backfilled by about 9 p.m. Monday, according to Ward.
However, Ward said repaving the surface will most likely be delayed until Tuesday morning when concrete suppliers are open.
State police have warned drivers to expect delays along I-495 south as well as routes 213, 110, 97, and 125.