Work Continues to Repair Growing Sinkhole In San Francisco's Richmond District

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — A massive sinkhole in San Francisco's Richmond District is continuing to grow in size since it opened after heavy rains Tuesday night. Work crews will continue Thursday morning to replace the aging pipeline that ruptured.

 

The hole, at Sixth Avenue and Lake Street, which was reported to be 20 feet by 30 feet Wednesday has grown to 30 feet by 28 feet and is 10 feet deep. Water service was disrupted for a time but was completely restored by the afternoon.

Because of noise concerns, work was halted overnight but crews will return to the job at about 7 a.m.

Jose Flores, who is a construction contractor for the city, told KCBS that the pipes underground are in layers. The lowest layer sewer followed by water and gas.

A bypass sewer line will be set up Wednesday morning and then the sewer line will be replaced and back filled. That will be followed by a waterline replacement, Flores said.

The entire project will take about two to three days to complete.

The sinkhole had become an example of the hazards of the San Francisco's aging infrastructure as it was installed in 1905.

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission spokeswoman Jean Walsh said sand had eroded around a water main pipe at the intersection, leaving the pipe exposed. At some point Wednesday morning, the pipe collapsed, causing more sand and rocks to erode.

While the situation is serious, a post appeared on Craigslist Wednesday jokingly advertising the large space as available for rent for $2,800. Cats are "OK" but no dogs.

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