I-240 Sinkhole Repairs Delayed

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Mid-South motorists can expect continued delays for the rest of the week on I-240 northbound near Walnut Grove as weather hinders TDOT's efforts to repair a large sinkhole that appeared Wednesday afternoon.

Crews were called to the scene just before 4:00pm when several cars hit a 6-foot deep sinkhole spreading across the left and center lanes of northbound traffic. Memphis Police have directed traffic though the one right-hand lane, causing major delays.

The sinkhole is a result of a burst pipe, according to TDOT.

"We had a pipe that collapsed [Wednesday] that backs to our box culvert and the sewer source," said TDOT's Nicole Lawrence. "Right now we're trying to excavate to get to that pipe source so we can fix the pipe, build things back up around it... and pave back over it."

Due to overnight and morning showers, TDOT repair crews do not expect to have the sinkhole fully repaired until after Friday morning's morning commute; however, more rain in the forecast could delay that even further.

If you have damage to your car caused by the sinkhole, you can file a claim by calling the State of Tennessee Claims Department at (615) 741-2734.

UPDATE: According to TDOT, there will be two lanes open by Thursday evening's rush hour commute. The repairs are expected to be completed by mid-day Friday, weather permitting.