Broken pipe causes sinkhole in Vancouver

A damaged pipe led to a sinkhole at the intersection of Harney and 19th streets in Vancouver on Tuesday afternoon.

The sinkhole, about 6 feet by 4 feet and 3 1/2 to 4 feet deep, opened when a concrete drop-connection pipe, which joins with a main sewer line, broke, Vancouver Public Works spokeswoman Loretta Callahan said.

The break undermined the street’s foundation, she said, causing the pavement to cave in. The damaged pipe is about 10 inches in diameter and 17 feet underground.

The hole’s size grew some as crews did some filling work. What caused the break was unknown.

Callahan said no backups or spills were expected.

Repairs will take additional digging and shoring around the hole for safety, she said, along with heavy equipment. The city will hire a private contractor for the repairs.

In the meantime, public works crews have filled the hole and placed barricades around the site. The street is open to traffic.