This temporary street repair will be in place until paving to repair the street surface fully can be completed this spring with more favorable weather conditions
VANCOUVER – A sinkhole that developed over the weekend at the intersection of Washington Street and West 30th Street has been filled with compacted gravel, making the area safe for travelers. This temporary street repair will be in place until paving to repair the street surface fully can be completed this spring with more favorable weather conditions.
City of Vancouver Public Works crews responded to a water main leak at the intersection of Washington Street and West 30th Street during the early morning hours of Saturday, Jan. 20. An eight-inch water main line broke and washed material away supporting the street, causing the existing asphalt to fail. This created a sinkhole in the street about four- feet deep, 12 feet long and 10 feet wide. A four-door SUV fell into the hole, submerging the vehicle’s front half.
The occupants were able to get out of the vehicle safely. Personnel from Vancouver Fire, Vancouver Police and Public Works departments arrived quickly to attend to the vehicle occupants and close the intersection to traffic. Water service was also shut off to nearby properties as crews worked to repair the leak.
By around 9 a.m. on Saturday, crews had repaired the water main and restored water service to surrounding customers.
“Our crews responded quickly to ensure community safety. Working through the early hours on Saturday morning, they restored water service for residents and made repairs to the sinkhole for local drivers,” said Vancouver Public Works Director Steve Worley.
Drivers are cautioned to avoid traveling through large puddles and high or moving water. Sinkholes are possible, but not common. Most water main lines are eight inches or larger and, if broken, release a high volume of water with the potential of displacing material and causing roadway surfaces to fail, thus creating a sinkhole. If motorists encounter potential road hazards, water leaks or other urgent issues, please report directly to the city of Vancouver at (360) 487-8177. To report a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Information provided by the city of Vancouver.
Also read:
- Signatures filed for initiatives on parental rights, blocking trans athletes from girls’ sports
Supporters of two initiatives on parental rights and transgender participation in girls’ sports filed signatures Friday, moving the measures closer to consideration by Washington lawmakers. - Vancouver Police investigate shooting
Vancouver Police are investigating a fatal shooting reported early Jan. 3 outside the Off-Ramp Sports Bar on Northeast 112th Avenue. - Vancouver Police release critical incident video from Dec. 28 officer-involved shooting
Vancouver Police Department released a Critical Incident Video related to a December 28 officer-involved shooting while the Office of Independent Investigations continues its review. - Opinion: Transit agencies need accountability not increased state subsidy
Charles Prestrud argues that Washington transit agencies face rising costs and declining ridership due to governance structures that lack public accountability. - Letter: ‘For years, American foreign policy too often felt like a blank check’
Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi argues that the 2025 National Security Strategy marks a long-overdue shift toward clearer priorities, shared responsibility, and interest-based American leadership. - POLL: Are you better off than you were a year ago?
This week’s poll asks readers to reflect on their personal financial situation and whether they feel better off than they were a year ago as economic conditions continue to shift. - Opinion: Does tailgating cause speeding?
Target Zero Manager Doug Dahl examines whether tailgating contributes to speeding and explains why following too closely increases crash risk with little benefit.
