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Some lanes reopen after sinkhole damages Interstate 8 in San Diego

A worker places a pipe into a large sinkhole as he and other crews fix the hole next to the eastbound lanes of Interstate 8 in San Diego.

A worker places a pipe into a large sinkhole as he and other crews fix the hole next to the eastbound lanes of Interstate 8 in San Diego.

(Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Two lanes on eastbound Interstate 8 in San Diego have reopened as crews repair a sinkhole near San Diego State University.

A large sinkhole opened on the right shoulder of the freeway Thursday, snarling traffic for miles as crews worked to repair the pit.

The hole, estimated to be 20 feet by 30 feet, and 20 feet deep, formed between College Avenue and Waring Road in College Area about 10:10 a.m., CHP Officer Tommy Doerr said.

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Lanes closest to the sinkhole remained closed in case the cavity widened underneath the freeway, Caltrans spokesman Edward Cartagena said. Crews later learned the space had spread about two feet under the farthest right lane.

A Caltrans geologist will analyze the hole and the surrounding area to try to determine what caused it, Cartagena said. An irrigation pipe that was exposed when the sinkhole formed was not in use.

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The eastbound Waring Road onramp, which initially was closed, also reopened Friday morning. The remaining blocked lanes will stay closed into Friday afternoon while workers fill the hole and repave the interstate.

sarah.parvini@latimes.com

For more local and breaking news, follow me on Twitter: @sarahparvini

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