City of Harrisburg: The N4th Street Sinkholes

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After three days, a third sinkhole formed on N4th Street.

The first one occurred on the morning of Monday December 31st when a City of Harrisburg garbage truck collapsed into a hole formed by a series of antiquated infrastructure issues including broken water and sewer lines. Hours later at around 11:00pm that evening, a second hole developed.

After days of construction, such as securing gas and water line breaks, a third hole formed.

With the development of a third sinkhole, Harrisburg Public Works Director Kevin Hagerich said the City will have to replace the entire line. Per PW Director, the terracotta pipe was laid in 1897. "We have some very old infrastructure," Hagerlich remarked.

With this latest collapse, most of N4th Street between Maclay and Woodbine will have to be excavated and the water and sewer lines replaced. Until that project is complete, residences on the block will not have water service, although gas has been restored.

Hagerlich estimates it will be at least 30 days to complete the repairs.

Interview with Kevin Hagerlich, Harrisburg Public Works Director, Part 1-- "We are going to replace this entire line."

Interview with Kevin Hagerlich, Harrisburg Public Works Director, Part 2-- At least 30 days for this project

by Tara Leo Auchey

photos by Natalie Cake

 
Tags: City of Harrisburg, Kevin Hagerlich, Public Works, sinkholes