Local utility crews were busy Thursday morning making repairs to a water main break and a resulting sinkhole in the Shaler Plaza parking lot after a street sweeper got stuck as the pavement started caving in.
No one was injured and the operator of the street sweeper was able to get out after the machine’s rear wheels got stuck in the sinkhole, officials said.
April Winklmann, plant manager for the Hampton Shaler Water Authority, said they were alerted to the break at the plaza at Route 8 and Saxonburg Boulevard just before 3 a.m.
"I have a crew out there on site now, and they are digging down to see where the issues are so they can make a timely repair," Ms. Winklmann said. "Only two local businesses are affected. One is a gas station and the other is an auto parts supply store."
Ms. Winklmann said the work is slated to be finished within four hours.
"Unfortunately sometimes the water doesn't surface and so we don't see it quickly," Ms. Winklmann said. "So the water stays underground leaking while undermining the area, which can create the sinkhole."
Part of the plaza is closed off near the Aldi’s market.
First Published: February 25, 2021, 1:21 p.m.