Sinkhole Keeps Road Closed Overnight During Repairs
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4)- Crews are working to repair a large sinkhole on Arapahoe Road after the pavement collapsed, leaving a water-filled hole in the ground.
The road caved in after a 12-inch water main broke just after noon on Thursday, according to officials with Denver Water.
The underground water main break, just west of Vine Street, sent a flood of water gushing onto the properties of nearby businesses.
A Denver Water spokesperson said that Arapahoe Road between University Boulevard and Race Street would remain closed for repair until Friday afternoon.
The Waters Edge Winery lived up to its name.
"(I saw) just bubbling water and it was pouring down over the edge. And running around the building. So we were kind of a little island. We said, of course, jokingly, Waters Edge Winery, we're finally at the water's edge," said Jennifer Hulan, winery owner.
Water rushed downhill towards the SouthGlenn Place apartments, where it seeped into the leasing office.
"I thought, 'Oh no. Who do I call, what do I do?'," said Kevin Verdoorn, lead maintenance tech for the complex.
The water supply was shut off for several hours to residents in 136 units, as well as to surrounding businesses.
The westbound lanes of Arapahoe Road will remain closed until Friday morning when a temporary patch will cover the lanes for the morning commute. After Friday evening's rush, crews will make permanent repairs to the road between University Boulevard and Race Street. Until then, traffic was being diverted onto University Boulevard.
Melissa Garcia has been reporting for CBS4 News since March 2014. Find her bio here, follow her on Twitter @MelissaGarciaTV, or send your story idea to mkgarcia@cbs.com.
