HICKORY, N.C.,None — At least two lanes of U.S. 70 westbound in Hickory will be closed through the weekend because of a sinkhole, Department of Transportation crews said.
SLIDESHOW: Massive Sinkhole Opens In Hickory
CHOPPER VIDEO: Sinkhole Forms In Hickory
The sinkhole, which is about 12 feet wide and 18 feet deep, opened on Thursday near the Valley Hills Mall. It was caused by a failed drainage box, according to the DOT.
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Star Readling saw the sinkhole open.
"I was pulling a car out and about that time, you just saw the earth cave in," Readling said. "It's like something you see on TV."
An excavator arrived at the scene at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday and began pulling away pieces of asphalt from the hole's edges to stabilize it. Crews will be working through the weekend to repair the hole.
City officials said drivers should avoid the area if possible until repairs are completed. Click here for alternate routes from Traffic Team 9.
RAW VIDEO: Crews Working To Fix Hickory Sinkhole
In 2002, a large sinkhole opened up a couple of miles away from the site of the current one. That sinkhole swallowed a Corvette.
MUST SEE: 2002 Hickory Sinkhole Swallows Restaurant Parking Lot
DOT officials said the current sinkhole is a minor issue compared to the 2002 one and that there is not a connection between the two.