Large Smithtown sinkhole affecting traffic and nearby water service
It's unclear when the road will reopen or what caused the sinkhole.
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A sinkhole and water main break occurred in Smithtown on Wednesday, causing traffic disruptions while repairs are being made.
Suffolk County police say they received a report of a sinkhole on Maple Avenue just before noon.
The Department of Transportation said the sinkhole was caused by an apparent water main break.
The agency suggests motorists should use the following detours:
Southbound State Route 111 traffic is being detoured onto eastbound Cross Street to southbound Plaisted Avenue to westbound State Route 347 for access to State Route 111.
Southbound Maple Avenue traffic is being detoured onto eastbound Broadway for access to State Route 111.
The Suffolk County Water Authority says it was first alerted to the sinkhole around 10:30 a.m., and crews arrived shortly thereafter. Officials confirmed that 10 properties are affected, including a residential apartment building and commercial buildings.
SCWA said water main repairs are expected to take several hours and that roadway cleanup and restoration work will likely continue well beyond that.
The road closures and water disruptions caused some problems for nearby businesses.
Chris Pittsley, owner of Salsa Salsa, said he first noticed trouble when water began pooling in the parking lot outside his restaurant.
“We noticed water seeping up to the ground and it became steadily heavier,” Pittsley said. “And then the sinkhole started from that broken main. And it's just got progressively busier here with work people since.”
Crews spent the day repairing the damaged water main, while portions of Maple Avenue and southbound Route 111 were closed.
“I'm hoping to get it fixed by tomorrow, so it doesn't impact another day's business,” Pittsley said. “I mean, it's cut off 90% of our business today.”
