The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced they have closed the right lane on Highway 421 South in Wilkesboro while crews work to repair a section of the road that collapsed this morning.

According to the DOT, a retaining wall, concrete barrier and part of the highway near Exits 286B and 286 in Wilkesboro collapsed into a sinkhole.

DOT workers have put traffic barrels in the roadway to block off traffic.

One lane is open through the area and officials are unsure how long it will take to repair the damaged highway.

The DOT said they are monitoring the area closely and are taking necessary steps in case the road needs to be completely closed.

If necessary, drivers heading southbound can use Highway 421 Business to Curtis Bridge Road to N.C. Highway 268 East to N.C. Highway 18/16 back onto Highway 421.