Large sinkhole closes westbound lanes of Montague Expressway

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Repairs to a large sinkhole in Milpitas have all westbound lanes on the Montague Expressway closed for at least two days, Santa Clara County officials said Saturday afternoon.

The sinkhole, which collapsed the roadway about 5 p.m. Friday, measures an estimated 30 feet by 30 feet and is 20 feet deep, county officials said.

A damaged storm drainpipe is believed to be the culprit.

Two westbound lanes, between Trade Zone Boulevard and the railroad tracks, were initially closed Friday evening.

All westbound lanes are now closed in the area to allow repairs to begin, county officials said Saturday.

The roads department estimates that the westbound lanes may reopen as early as Monday evening, weather permitting.

Westbound traffic will be detoured through Trade Zone Boulevard.

"The possible cause of the sinkhole is due to damage to a storm drain pipe that is underneath the roadway and goes across the expressway," said Harry Freitas, director of the county's roads and airports department.

Repairing the roadway will include digging out the area, stabilizing the soil underneath, adding rocks and material to build up the hole to the surface, and paving the surface of the roadway, county officials said.

Road repair updates are available online.