WASHINGTON — The hole that opened up underneath the eastbound lanes of Route 50 in Anne Arundel County late Wednesday afternoon was caused by the collapse of a pipe under the road.

The Maryland State Highway Administration says the 24-inch corrugated metal pipe was part of the road’s drainage system. A passing driver noticed the hole, which led to the shutdown of the eastbound lanes at the height of the evening rush hour.

Eastbound Route 50 was diverted at Route 665 from around 5 p.m. Wednesday to just before 3 a.m. Thursday as temporary road repairs were made.

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