A sinkhole “the size of a compact car” on Route 2 near Newark is causing significant backups as county and state officials work to mitigate it, the Delaware Department of Transportation said Thursday afternoon.
C.R. McLeod, spokesman for DelDOT, said it’s not entirely clear what caused the sinkhole, which is in the left lane of Route 2 east, near Melrose Place. Initially, it was thought to be caused by a New Castle County water pipe under the road, but county officials have since said the sewer line is not to blame.
McLeod said transportation workers will open the hole Friday morning to hopefully determine what caused it.
“It’s not just happening out of the blue,” he added.
As a result of the sinkhole, which is about 15 feet long and 5 feet wide, the left lane and left-turn lanes are closed. Traffic is getting by slowly in the right lane.
Route 2 west is also moving slowly as passersby ogle at the sinkhole.
RELATEDThose aren’t wrecking balls. See the new effort to prevent crashes at Newark underpass
McLeod said employees from New Castle County’s Public Works Department are on the scene, but road closures will extend until Friday. The sinkhole was first reported around 3 p.m. Thursday.
Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com. For all things breaking news, follow her on Twitter at @izzihughes_
