HAVERHILL, MASS. (WHDH) – Lane closures on I-495 in Haverhill are expected to remain in place until Tuesday afternoon after a burst water pipe caused a hole in the roadway, police said.

The sinkhole opened on the southbound side of I-495, forcing crews to close the two right lanes in the area.

The state Department of Transportation first reported news of the incident around 8:45 a.m. State police shared photos around 10:45 a.m. showing a collapsed section of the roadway.

In an update around 3:15 p.m., police said the sinkhole was still causing significant traffic backup on I-495 and surrounding roads.

Citing MassDOT, state police said repairs to the water main would not be completed until later Monday evening. According to police, longer road closures were necessary due to “extensive sidewalk and road damage.”

“Travellers should expect significant traffic congestion from rush hour commuters both today and tomorrow,” police said.

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