A large sinkhole forced emergency lane closures Thursday afternoon on the westbound Long Island Expressway near Exit 49N in Huntington, causing major traffic delays along one of Long Island’s busiest roadways.
According to traffic officials, emergency construction began around 1:35 p.m. in the HOV lane area near Exit 49N at Route 110 after the roadway collapsed, creating a sizable hole in the pavement.
Two of the four westbound lanes were closed as crews responded to the scene and began repair work. Traffic backups quickly developed through the area during the afternoon commute.
Officials said the closures remained active as of 2:03 p.m. Thursday and are expected to continue until at least Friday afternoon while repairs are completed.
Photos from the scene showed a silver sedan stopped partially over the edge of the collapsed roadway as police vehicles and traffic cones blocked off the damaged lanes.
Drivers traveling westbound through Huntington are being urged to expect significant delays and consider alternate routes while emergency construction continues.
No injuries were immediately reported.
Photo: SCPD.
