Part of a busy freeway was closed Monday because of a pothole that was causing trouble for vehicles.

Texas Department of Public Safety officials said they received reports of a pothole in the southbound lanes of the Southwest Freeway near the West Loop on Monday morning. Rebar was exposed in the hole, officials said.

Four lanes were closed at 11 a.m. while crews temporarily patched the hole. They were all reopened shortly before 4:15 p.m.

Traffic was backed up for miles, so motorists were advised to use a detour.

Officials said a permanent repair will be made over the weekend.

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