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Foster, Elston Reopen After Sinkhole Swallows SUV

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Part of the intersection of Foster, Elston and LaPorte avenues has reopened, as crews repair a gaping sinkhole that opened up over the weekend and swallowed a passing sport-utility vehicle.

Some of the lanes reopened Monday morning, as construction crews pour new concrete. Some of the intersection has already been patched up.

All four affected lanes are expected to be open by Wednesday.

On Saturday, a man driving a 2003 Acura ended up with his car upside-down in a sinkhole measuring 20 feet wide and 12 feet deep. A large water main also broke.

The driver was able somehow to crawl out by himself, and paramedics took him to Swedish Covenant Hospital.

Water Department Spokesman Tom LaPorte told WBBM Newsradio's Steve Miller Sunday that officials believe an old water main broke and caused the brick sewer infrastructure to give way.

LaPorte says the sewer line is about 100 years old and he says the water main at the intersection is probably about the same age.

While parts of the intersection may be reopening, motorists are still advised to avoid Foster and Elston for a few days if they can.

The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.

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