Traffic Defects, Updates – NBC Boston

A sinkhole caused by a burst water pipe on Interstate 495 is causing traffic delays in the Haverhill, Massachusetts area. The work is not expected to be completed until Tuesday.

Massachusetts State Police said the water main break was first reported around 7 a.m. Monday. A sinkhole began to form in the breakdown lane of I-495 south, just after Exit 106 in Haverhill. The right lane was closed.

Motorists were warned to expect delays in the area Monday, potentially having a “significant” impact on traffic on the Methuen-Haverhill corridor and interchanges on Routes 213, 110, 97 and 125.

In an update later Monday, police said the two right lanes had to be closed, causing a backup on I-495 and other roads in the area.

The water main will not be repaired until Monday evening and the lanes will have to be closed until Tuesday afternoon due to the extensive damage to the sidewalk and roadbed, police said.

“Travellers should expect significant traffic congestion caused by rush hour commuters both today and tomorrow,” a police statement said.