A hazard reported on Highway 22 west of Salem is causing minor delays, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.
A sunken grade was reported last Saturday, according to ODOT’s TripCheck.
Orange traffic cones have been placed between the two west-bound lanes to mark the area.
The 6- to 12-inch wide dip in the westbound lanes is deep enough that drivers should slow down for it, ODOT spokesperson David House said.
“It’s essentially the start of a pothole — typical for this time of year with this much rainfall,” House said.
“Sunken grade means that a spot or section of road has gone downward, usually due to natural water saturation and movement,” House said. “Not all sunken grades lead to a pothole, but when they are small, and the sinking is deep in one small spot, a pothole develops if the spot isn’t patched.”
The hazard is about 8 miles east of the intersection with Salmon River Highway.
House said he’s not sure when the damage will be repaired.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Sunken grade causes minor delays on Highway 22 near Salem