Sinkhole fouls traffic on N.J. highway

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WOODBRIDGE, N.J., Feb. 22 (UPI) -- A large sinkhole on New Jersey's Garden State Parkway took drivers by surprise during the morning rush Thursday and caused a massive traffic jam later.

At least 18 cars were damaged by the hole near the parkway's interchange with the New Jersey Turnpike, The Star-Ledger of Newark reported. Fifteen had to be towed, officials said.

The hole in the far-right lane of the southbound side was about 4 feet wide and 6 feet long with a depth of several feet. Parkway officials were unsure if it was caused by a collapsed pipe or bad weather.

Workers struggled to complete temporary repairs before the evening rush hour. But by 4 p.m., traffic was backed up about 5 miles on the parkway.

The jams spilled over to the turnpike.