Phoenix city crews finished repairing a broken water main Friday that caused a large sinkhole at 35th Avenue and Van Buren Street, and repairs to the roadway will continue for several more days.
Drivers can expect lane closures and full detours until Sunday night or Monday morning as pavers rip out and replace a 100' by 60' segment of asphalt.
Reminder: Van Buren @ 35th Ave will remain CLOSED thru wknd 4 street repairs from main break, hoping 2 have repairs done by Mon. #PhxTraffic
— Phoenix Water (@PHXWater) August 27, 2016
Water Service Department managers say the 12-inch, cast iron water main was built in the 1940s and broke due to its age Thursday. A Valley Metro bus got stuck as the roadway collapsed and a large, muddy hole formed. No one was injured.
City officials say they replace city water lines when they are 75-100 years old, but they have a limited budget and prioritize projects based on overall pipe condition and prior leaks.
