UPDATE: Street sinkhole in south Alki

11:16 AM: Thanks to Greg for the photo and tip. He says that growing sinkhole is in the street where 59th SW and 60th SW meet in south Alki [map]. He says it was just a “pothole” yesterday but “overnight things changed.” We’re checking with SDOT to see the plan for addressing it.

2:14 PM: SDOT tells us it’s working with Seattle Public Utilities on this: “SDOT is planning to install a steel plate over the hole today to replace the current barricades while SPU works on a long-term repair plan.” Whether that means it’s a leak, break, drainage problem, or something else, they didn’t say, and we’ve asked that on followup.

3:40 PM: SPU says it’s a sewer-pipe problem.

9 Replies to "UPDATE: Street sinkhole in south Alki"

  • Lola January 10, 2023 (11:41 am)

    Because the city does no street maintenance anymore on any Seattle Roads.  Pothole Patrol is your only course of action anymore.  I can’t tell you how many times I have sent stuff to them because of potholes or roads that are bad.  https://seattle-cwiprod.motorolasolutions.com/cwi/tile

  • Alki resident January 10, 2023 (1:26 pm)

    Was the pothole reported to the city yesterday?

  • Scott Collins January 10, 2023 (1:34 pm)

    I called this in to the city at 830am today and it’s theoretically on their “emergency” list.

  • Olive January 10, 2023 (1:44 pm)

    That is a great example of failed pavement. It is not a sinkhole.

  • Greg January 10, 2023 (3:12 pm)

    Scott It must have worked as the City crew was there at 12.30 and now all fixed.

  • Scott Collins January 10, 2023 (3:18 pm)

    There is a significant space underneath the failed pavement that was clearly caused by erosion.  Whether from a spring (the area is colloquially referred to as spring hill), a broken water line or other,  the cause of the pavement failure is the erosion,  not the other way around

  • Out of curiosity January 10, 2023 (7:49 pm)

    I am sure the amount of significant rain fall for that short period of time yesterday probably caused some fail in a pretty dated system. I have reported multiple sink holes in the area the past couple of years (mainly along Admiral) with many developing quickly throughout the day (extremely dangerous). So I do applaud the utility workers for being prompt in the assessment and repair cause what ever is happening under the streets seems to be a chronic issue. Remember to download the “find it, fix it” app on your phone to report these  issues ( you can send pictures and actually locations of the issue) so the Seattle Utilities departments can act promptly. Also I would also like to point out that if you can, please clear the road of any blown leaves from the curbs in the area. Many, many streets were flooded due to blocked up storm drains. I know the city can help with a street cleaner but I do believe they have a grace period for free yard waste bag pick up through the “leaf falling” season to help maintain the issue. It helps keep the street safe of water hazards, allows pedestrians to navigate safely and may also alleviate any diverted water going to any overloaded “working” storm drains.

  • Scarlett January 10, 2023 (7:51 pm)

    I suppose it could be worse,
    https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/massive-los-angeles-sinkhole-swallows-2-vehicles-passengers-rescued/3139107/
    Talked to a friend in Redding CA and it’s been one storm after another after another.  Sierra snowpack at 200% of normal, resevoirs filling so fast they may flood.  Feast or famine. 

    • Ferns January 11, 2023 (7:15 pm)

      Yes. More often than not I’ve noticed Redding when it is on fire. So surprisingly that tiny town appears to have extreme weather problems.

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