MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Update (7/1/2020): Ahead of the 4th of July weekend, crews completed their work and all travel lanes were reopened Friday. The right shoulder will remain closed as more work is required off the main roadway following the holiday weekend.
The total cost of the repair project was approximately $425,000, according to the Maryland Transportation Department.
Original Story:
Road and transportation crews continue to work on repairing a large sinkhole on Interstate 270 in Maryland.
The Maryland State Highway Association (MDSHA) shared a photo of the size and scope of the project on Twitter on Friday. The initial view of the sinkhole looked small, but the new perspective shows that the surface view was just the tip of the iceberg.
MDSHA says a major pipe failure led to the sinkhole opening up. It's 20 feet wide, 15 feet long and 12 feet deep. Crews are still working on installing a new 80-foot pipe.
Officials did not offer a timeline for when the repairs would be complete, but said fixing the sinkhole was a top priority.
"Our goal is to educate people on the reality of the challenge our team is dealing with. These photos outline the enormity of the problem & the extent of needed repairs," MDSHA said on social media.
The sinkhole was initially reported on June 15. Portions of I-270 remain closed while crews continue their work.