FIRST REPORT, 5:53 PM: SW Genesee is blocked from 42nd SW east because of what Seattle Public Utilities tells us is a “collapsed sewer main.” Crews are on scene investigating, to figure out the problem and how to repair it. More to come – in the meantime, avoid the area.
6:21 PM UPDATE: We’ve just talked with crew chiefs at the scene. The problem actually originated atop the bluff where 41st dead-ends on the east side of Seattle Lutheran High School. This board covers a “void” (aka sinkhole) there:

It was discovered after one house on the dead-end had a sewer-backup problem, the crew says. They are working at the bottom of the slope, on Genesee, to stop the flow that apparently had some wastewater coming up through a manhole.
Then, they told us, they have to use a camera to look into the lines to figure out how extensive the problem is before bringing in a contractor for repairs, likely on Monday – if the problem extends through the slope, it’ll be a major repair job.
As for the road closures – the crew is likely to be there another few hours. Updates as we get them.
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