MONTREAL — A large sinkhole has shut down a highway in Western Quebec, just west of Ottawa and south of the Gatineau Park.
Transports Quebec confirmed that Highway 148, between Quyon and Luskville, has been closed after a nine-metre-deep sinkhole opened up over a culvert.
The agency said that the three-metre wide sinkhole, which spans a highway lane, was caused by heavy rains.
“For security, we had to close both lanes of the highway,” said Transports Quebec spokesperson Karine Sauve.
“We cannot confirm when the road will be reopened, it could be several days.”
She noted that the sinkhole was caused by erosion and the rain on Tuesday.
“There was too much water in the culvert and this caused the collapse of the road.”
Motorists are advised to use alternative routes, such as Highway 105, Route 366, via Heardley-Matcham or the Quyon Ferry.
According to authorities, crews are working to build a makeshift road around the sinkhole.
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