15-foot-deep sinkhole closes eastbound lanes of I-82 west of Prosser

The eastbound lanes of Interstate 82 west of Prosser remain closed Wednesday after officials discovered a 15-foot sinkhole eating away at the road.

Department of Transportation inspectors were at the scene Wednesday to determine the amount of damage done. The department also is working on finding emergency funding and a contractor to fix the road, said spokeswoman Summer Derrey.

Officials expect to have a better idea on the size of the problem by Thursday.

The highway is closed near Zillah because a water catch basin and culvert in the median are severely eroded, the Washington State Department of Transportation said in a news release just after 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Drivers are being detoured using U.S. Highway 97 to state Highway 22 to Highway 223 and then back onto I-82 near Granger.

Another option is to take I-82 at exit 50 to Highway 22 to Highway 223 and then back on to I-82 near Granger.

State maintenance crews were alerted to the sinkhole Tuesday afternoon. The hole is about 15 feet deep and 30 feet wide.

“Crews are assessing the extent of the damage and this section of highway will remain closed until further notice,” said the release.

Drivers should plan for extra travel time, obey posted speed limits and be patient, said the state.

This story was originally published June 16, 2020 at 5:56 PM.