Sinkhole Forms On I-80 Near Donner Pass; One Lane Closed In Each Direction

DONNER PASS (CBS13) - A sinkhole in the center divide of Interstate 80 has led to the partial closure of the freeway in the Sierra.

CHP says a paving crew was working on the center divide of the freeway when the wheel of a construction vehicle fell through a 2-3-foot patch of soft dirt. As they were removing the vehicle, crews noticed a much larger sinkhole underneath.

Loose dirt was removed from the hole, exposing a hole measuring 3 feet wide and 8 feet deep.

CHP says the sinkhole was caused by an elbow-shaped culvert that broke.

One lane in each direction closest to the center divide has been closed as a precaution.

There is not estimated time of reopening.