A sinkhole has caused the Alabama Department of Transportation to close a southbound travel lane on Interstate 65 in Pelham, and the closure could last through Independence Day weekend.

At about 8 a.m. on July 1, crews discovered the sinkhole in the median of I-65 between mile marker 246.5 and 247, and were forced to close the southbound inside left shoulder and lane.

If the sinkhole is large and deep enough, crews could be forced to also close the northbound inside left shoulder and lane to accommodate the equipment and personnel necessary to complete the repairs, according to the Department of Transportation.

The lane closures will be between the Alabama 119 exit and Valleydale Road.

Crews began working on repairing the roads shortly after they discovered the sinkhole. The Department of Transportation is urging drivers to seek alternate routes around I-65 and drive safely if traveling through the sinkhole area.