A sinkhole “the size of a compact car” on Route 2 near Newark that created significant backups on Thursday was caused by an old storm sewer line, the Delaware Department of Transportation said Friday.
C.R. McLeod, spokesman for DelDOT, said the sewer line was failing and caused the road to open up. The sinkhole formed in the left lane of Route 2 east, near Melrose Place Drive.
Transportation workers closed part of the road. McLeod said the closure would remain in place at least through the weekend, given the sewer line needs to be removed, the dirt filled in and the road fixed.
As a result of the sinkhole, which is about 15 feet long and 5 feet wide, the left lane and left-turn lanes were closed Thursday afternoon. Traffic was getting by slowly in the right lane.
Route 2 west was also moving slowly as passersby ogled at the sinkhole.
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It remains unclear exactly when the road will reopen. The sinkhole was first reported around 3 p.m. Thursday.
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