14th Street sinkhole repairs are further delayed

WASHINGTON — Damage at the yawning sinkhole at 14th and F Streets NW is proving tougher to repair than previously estimated.

The northbound lanes of 14th Street remain closed in the area, and the District Department of Transportation says it could remain closed through later this week. One lane is open southbound, and F Street remains closed in both directions between 13th and 15th Streets.

Part of the road collapsed last Tuesday, leaving a 15-foot hole and damaging a sewer line which lies beneath multiple utility lines and old trolley tracks.

It had been hoped that the work could be completed, and streets in the area reopened, by Monday.

Crews from the DC Water and Sewer Authority are working to repair the damage and other utility crews, including Pepco teams, have been summoned to the scene to evaluate their lines for any damage.

An additional hole has been dug in the area to better access the sewer line.

Jill McClanahan, a spokeswoman for DC Water, says “the work is very complex.”

Commuters are advised to avoid inbound 14th Street tomorrow morning because of the road work. It would be wise to steer clear of the whole neighborhood – DDOT says the street closures have produced backups elsewhere in the area.

Crews from the DC Water and Sewer Authority are working to repair the damage. Once the gaping hole is sealed, DDOT crews will mill, resurface and re-stripe the roadway.

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