MIRAMAR (CBS 8) - The East Gate entrance to MCAS Miramar was closed Monday after a major water main break over the weekend, creating a traffic backup in several directions.
The main break happened Saturday morning and caused a huge sinkhole. Crews are digging up the broken pipe and working to repair the damage.
The infrastructure failure on the outskirts of the base left the its eastern gate out of commission, which could last up to a week, according to the CHP.
Traffic on Miramar Road was backed up Monday morning between Kearny Villa Road and Interstate 15.
Sam Zavaro owns a gas station right next to the base, so he had to sit in the worst of the traffic getting to work.
"Terrible, terrible, bumper to bumper, unbelievable. I've never see it like that," he said.
Until the repairs are completed and the East Gate reopens, people who need to get on base are being encouraged to come through the West Gate. The North Gate is also an option, but it is more crowded and could take longer to clear security.