There is work ongoing now to fix the sinkhole in downtown Emporia. And there is still some investigation yet to do to figure out how much more work may be ahead.
The sinkhole near the southeast corner of 10th and Commercial has been open since March 29, either shortly before an Emporia Police SUV drove out of the Carlos Liquor drive-thru lane or as the SUV left the business parking lot. Emporia City Engineer Jim Ubert says sections of pipe were installed late Tuesday afternoon. More sections will be placed Wednesday. City Communications Manager Christine Torrens says the pipe repair work should last about two weeks, followed by repavement and a curing process that could take another two weeks to finish.
The storm sewer in question was anywhere from 100-125 years old and has several sections that “have outlived their service life.” Staffers have been trying to determine the pipe’s condition actually at and north of the intersection. Staffers are also determining whether to make full repairs near the sinkhole site or target certain areas near the failure zone. Recommendations may go to City Manager Trey Cocking by Friday. Torrens says additional storm sewer repairs are expected and will be handled as part of upcoming construction.
