The Tuesday morning drive through Lakeville turned into an unexpected headache for motorists when a sinkhole opened along Route 140 north near Exit 12, disabling at least eight vehicles and forcing emergency repairs. MassDOT crews moved in quickly to pave and stabilize the damaged shoulder, while state troopers directed traffic and checked on the cars that got caught up in the mess. Officials closed a lane and warned that the disruption could stretch for several hours as crews worked to make the roadway safe.
Officials Responded
MassDOT crews focused on filling and repaving the sinkhole on the shoulder of Route 140 north near Exit 12, after troopers responding to reports of disabled vehicles found at least eight cars with damage. The closures began during the Tuesday morning commute, and officials said the affected lane would likely stay closed for several hours while the area was stabilized and repaved, according to Boston 25 News. There was no immediate word on whether anyone was injured.
Where the road work fits
MassDOT's District 5 project listings show ongoing attention to Route 140, including resurfacing and related work, with limited-access pavement preservation planned for design in 2028, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The agency lists multiple planned and completed projects in the Taunton–Lakeville corridor, which underscores that the highway gets periodic rehabilitation in addition to emergency fixes like Tuesday's response.
Traffic and commutes
Drivers were urged to steer clear of the area and use alternate routes while paving continued, and delays stacked up through midmorning. There was still no immediate word on injuries as crews worked to repave and inspect the shoulder, according to Boston 25 News.
This is a developing story, and officials may release more details later today. Local drivers should keep an eye on state traffic feeds and local news outlets for the latest travel advisories.
