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TIMES STAFFThe pothole opened up after 9 a.m. Friday near Lois Avenue and forced a lane closure on the southbound lane.
TAMPA - It was just a pothole, really, but it opened up Friday after 9 a.m. in a spot that proved unfortunate for motorists trying to get anywhere fast: the southbound inside lane of Interstate 275 near Lois Avenue, on the bridge over Cypress Street.
Workers subcontracted by the Florida Department of Transportation spent several hours fashioning a steel plate to temporarily cover the 2-foot by 2-foot hole, which likely formed because of recent heavy rains, said DOT spokesperson Kris Carson.
They had to shut down the inside southbound lane while they worked, and they closed the eastbound left lane of Cypress Avenue that runs under the bridge.
Daylong backups continued through the evening rush hour. Transportation officials urged motorists to use alternate roads.
"Our concern right now is just getting the traffic home on a Friday night," said Carson.
Workers will begin permanent repairs over several nights, beginning from 9 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday, Carson said.