Sinkhole shuts part of South Carolina highway

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) - Part of a major highway near a South Carolina resort town has been shut down because of a sinkhole.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation said its crews and the utility are making emergency repairs to the southbound lanes of state Highway 31, just south of its intersection with state Highway 22.

The sinkhole was caused by the collapse of a utility line under the pavement of the Grand Strand, a stretch of highway also known as the Carolina Bays Parkway. It serves as a quick way to get from North Myrtle Beach to Myrtle Beach.

Officials say the sinkhole opened Sunday night. Crews hope to repair the damage Monday.

The southbound lanes of the Carolina Bays Parkway are closed from the Conway Bypass to the Robert Grissom Parkway.