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:
- VIDEO: Income tax bill passes WA Senate after hours of heated debate
Senate Bill 6346, imposing a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million, passed the Washington Senate after hours of debate and multiple rejected amendments. - Letter: After ignoring the students, Ridgefield School District outed them
Rob Anderson and a concerned Ridgefield parent allege Ridgefield School District repeatedly failed to redact student names in public records releases tied to a cheer coach investigation. - ‘Absolutely good news’: WA financial outlook brightens as budget talks heat up
A new forecast projects $827 million more in revenue for Washington’s current budget, offering relief as lawmakers finalize a supplemental spending plan. - Opinion: Democrats signal retreat on the death tax as exodus fears mount
Mark Harmsworth argues recent moves on estate and other tax policies reflect mounting concerns about high earners and businesses leaving Washington state. - Vancouver middle school student joins Rep. John Ley in Olympia as a House page
Jackson Bumala, a 14-year-old middle school student from Vancouver, served as a page in the Washington State House of Representatives with sponsorship from Rep. John Ley. - Pro-business, bipartisan legislation from Rep. Stephanie McClintock receives House approval
The Washington State House passed House Bill 2207, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie McClintock, to update alcohol warehousing statutes and allow licensed warehouses to store and handle beer under the same framework as wine and spirits. - Legislation from Rep. John Ley to support construction and infrastructure projects in Washington is passed by the House
The Washington State House passed House Bill 2605, sponsored by Rep. John Ley, updating regulations on naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials used in construction.
