I-93 in New Hampshire Reopens After Massive Sinkhole Snarls Traffic

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation says part of Interstate 93 in Concord has reopened after crews spent most of the day filling a large sinkhole.

The northbound side of the highway was closed Wednesday afternoon between exits 13 and 14. Traffic was being diverted from exit 13. Drivers in the area were asked to seek alternative routes. 

The sinkhole, which measures around 15 feet wide and 20 feet deep, was first discovered when drivers reported a dip in the highway around noon.

The I93 northbound lanes reopened around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday night.

Massive Sinkhole Opens up on I-93 in N.H.

NHDOT spokesperson Bill Boynton calls the sinkhole shocking.

"It's a pretty big surprise on the interstate because these are well-built highways," he said. "Fortunately, I believe one of the three vehicles that were right there when it happened was a DOT vehicle and he was able to back up his truck and help shut down the traffic and close the road."

Meanwhile, New Hampshire state police say they arrested a drunk driver near the scene of the sinkhole.

Conner Arrest
New Hampshire State Police

Fifty-five-year-old Richard Conner of Chichester was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated.

Authorities say Conner drove around signs, traffic cones and flags to get onto the closed highway, and berated construction workers for being in his way when he drove closer to the sinkhole.

When he was stopped, troopers determined Conner was intoxicated and arrested, according to police.

Police said Conner's breath test showed that he had three times the legal limit of alcohol in his system.

He'll be arraigned Sept. 4 on charges in Concord.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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