July 5, 2018

Downtown Sinkhole Caused By Century-Old Sewer Line

The site of the sinkhole downtown at the intersection of Ohio and Pennsylvania streets. - Sarah Panfil/WFYI News

The site of the sinkhole downtown at the intersection of Ohio and Pennsylvania streets.

Sarah Panfil/WFYI News

Citizens Energy Group says the sinkhole that opened in downtown Indianapolis Wednesday was caused by the failure of a century-old sewer line.

The site continued to attract attention Thursday afternoon. Romona Smith works at Regions Tower at the intersection of Ohio and Pennsylvania streets and snapped photos of the blocked off area.

“If it’s weak right there, are there any other spots downtown that also have the same issues?” Smith said. “And how much time do we have before they start to open up?”

The sewer failure is located below multiple intact utility lines, according to the Citizens Energy Group statement. A Citizens crew is on site to plan a repair that won’t disrupt other utility services.

The Indianapolis Fire Department tweeted sinkhole measurements last night, 17 feet across - 10.5 feet deep - 14 feet long.

Citizens Energy Group says the intersection will remain closed the rest of today and possibly until Monday.

Neither representatives of Citizens Energy Group nor the Department of Public Works returned calls for additional comment.

The sinkhole is at the intersection of Ohio and Pennsylvania streets in downtown Indianapolis. Traffic from all directions is rerouted until further notice.

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

 

Related News

ProPEL Indy releases latest report on interstate improvements, seeks public input
Indy Animal Care feels impact of cold weather at aging shelter
IMPD officers found not guilty on all charges in the death of Herman Whitfield III