A sinkhole that opened up on Southeast Yamhill Street between Southeast 74th Avenue and Southeast 76th Avenue in the Mt. Tabor neighborhood of Portland has caused the road to be closed for several days. The Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) has confirmed that there is no immediate danger outside the sinkhole area.
Crews are currently working to repair the sinkhole and will do some precautionary work on an exposed sewer pipe before the sinkhole can be backfilled and the street repaved. BES has announced that the roads will be closed through at least May 23 to ensure the safety of the public.
According to BES, the sinkhole was likely caused by a leaking private sewer lateral, which flowed and impacted the downstream maintenance hole. The maintenance hole will be repaired before the sinkhole is filled to ensure that the issue does not occur again. While the roadway will remain closed, sidewalks will stay open for pedestrian, wheelchair, and bicycle use. This will ensure that the public can still use the area safely and with minimal disruption.
Sinkholes are a common occurrence in Portland due to the city's geology. The city is located in an area with a high concentration of volcanic activity, which creates a porous and unstable ground. This makes it important for the city to have a comprehensive plan in place to deal with sinkholes and other geological hazards.
In conclusion, the sinkhole on Southeast Yamhill Street in the Mt. Tabor neighborhood of Portland has caused the road to be closed for several days while crews work to repair the issue. The public's safety is the top priority, and BES is taking all necessary precautions to ensure that the area is safe for pedestrian use.
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