Section of I-65 to close in north Ala.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) - The state will close a 16-mile section of northbound Interstate 65 between Lacon and Decatur on Thursday after a sinkhole opened along the route near Hartselle on Friday.

State trooper spokesman Curtis Summerville says northbound lanes will be closed at 9 a.m. between Exit 318 at Lacon and Vinemont and Exit 334 at Decatur and Priceville.

The state Department of Transportation had closed the northbound, outside lane of I-65 north of Hartselle on Friday after finding the sinkhole on the road shoulder.

The DOT says it's unsure how long the engineering assessment and repairs will take.

During the closure, northbound traffic will detour onto U.S. 31 north and Alabama 67, in Decatur.