Highway 1 between Lompoc and Gaviota closed Tuesday afternoon amid concerns about a possible sink hole along the route, but route was expected to reopen more than five hours later.

At approximately 4:45 p.m., emergency dispatchers received a report that a bridge on the southbound side of the road appeared to be giving way, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Lompoc police officers initially shut down southbound Highway 1 as a precaution until Caltrans crews could get to the scene to assess the status of the span. 

Police later requested CHP officers respond to handle the road closure.

“Caltrans is inspecting the roadway to assess damage,” agency representatives said Tuesday evening.

“There is no estimated time for re-opening,” Caltrans added.

The road was closed south of Highway 246 (East Ocean Avenue) near Lompoc and at Highway 101 at Gaviota.

By 9 p.m., Caltrans reportedly deemed the road “safe for now,” but planned to keep the shoulders of the highway closed as they prepared to open the road. Crews also were expected to remain in the area to monitor the situation.

Check back with Noozhawk for updates to this story.