Route 128 Gridlocked by Pot Hole Repair Crew

The five mile backup along Route 128 southbound in Beverly on Friday afternoon was caused by a pothole repair crew.

State Police tweeted at about 12:30 p.m. that a state Department of Transportation pothole repair crew was causing the backup.

“Rather be delayed than get a flat tire,” State Police said.

Traffic reports show that the backup extends from Endicott Street in Danvers at exit 24 back to Essex Street in Beverly at exit 18. The backups also extends to some other roads in Beverly, including Dodge Street and Brimbal Avenue.

The crew was moving southbound as of 1 p.m.