A sinkhole on the inside lane of I-65 in Hartselle created a nightmare for southbound motorists earlier today.

At 5 p.m., the sinkhole, which was located about halfway between the Alabama 36 and Thompson Road interchanges, was protected with safety cones and traffic was confined to the outside lane.

Both southbound lanes before the sinkhole were filled with slow-moving traffic as far as the eye could see looking north.

Already, local travelers were avoiding the interstate at the Priceville exit and using Bethel Road as an option.

Highway repair equipment was on the scene but not in operation as of 5:30 p.m.