San Diego, California – A water-main break at a busy Morena neighborhood intersection led to the sudden formation of a sinkhole, forcing road closures that have disrupted traffic since Thursday. City officials say repairs are progressing and the affected roads are now expected to reopen by Tuesday evening.
The sinkhole developed at the intersection of Morena Boulevard and Napa Street, prompting immediate safety closures and emergency repair work. While the damaged water line has been fixed, additional utility work is still underway, extending the timeline for reopening.
Incident Overview
The City of San Diego confirmed that the sinkhole was caused by a failure in an 8-inch water main beneath Morena Boulevard. The break led to erosion below the roadway, creating a hazardous void that made the intersection unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians.
City crews responded quickly after the issue was reported, closing the affected portion of Morena Boulevard to prevent further damage and ensure public safety. The closure impacted a major traffic corridor used daily by commuters, delivery vehicles, and nearby businesses.
Timeline of Events
The sequence of events unfolded over several days as crews worked to stabilize the area and coordinate with multiple utility providers.
- Thursday: A sinkhole forms at Morena Boulevard and Napa Street following a water-main break. The intersection is closed to traffic.
- Friday evening: City crews complete repairs to the damaged 8-inch pipe.
- Friday, around 5 p.m.: The city announces that roads are expected to reopen by Tuesday evening, later than initially planned.
- Weekend into early next week: Utility companies continue work on underground lines before final road restoration.
Earlier estimates had suggested the roadway could reopen as soon as Saturday morning, but that timeline changed due to additional repair requirements.
Details From City Officials
According to the City of San Diego, while the primary water-main repair is finished, the work is not yet complete. Crews from SDG&E and AT&T need additional time to assess and repair their infrastructure in the affected area before the roadway can be safely reopened…