The cause of the sinkhole is still unknown. The utility companies say their top priority is to repair damage and to make sure homes and schools have water. Water service has been restored. They say they'll get to the cause later.
The sinkhole has gone from 6 feet by 6 feet to 25 by 25. And it's slowly getting deeper because of excavation. Crews from Alameda County Water District have gone down 10 feet in order to repair a 16 inch water main that was ruptured as the sinkhole grew.
Laborious work digging to repair broken water main. #UnionCity sinkhole now 10' deep. Sewer line at 15'. #abc7now pic.twitter.com/XETstfZJzE
— David Louie (@abc7david) October 15, 2015
Underneath the intersection of Alvarado Boulevard and New Haven Street is a maze of utility pipes, including gas lines from PG&E and a major sewer line belonging to Union Sanitary District. The repairs are being done one step at a time.
"They will dig down a little bit deeper to where their sewage pipes are and that will help us to move closer to determining a cause of this sinkhole," said Union City Communications Manager Lauren Sugayan.
Replacement pipe for the water main has arrived and is being soldered together. The broken water main is 44 years old. It was first installed in 1971. The water district could not say if it was slated for replacement.
"This appears to be unusual circumstances," said Sharene Gonzales with the Alameda County Water District. "We don't want to make any speculation, but we do have ongoing investments in our infrastructure."
The resident who reported the bump in the road to firefighters on Wednesday is surprised to see how big it is now.
"I didn't realize it was going to be this big," said resident Carl Roldan. "I thought it was just like a small bump or small sinkhole, but when I saw it right now it's crazy."
The utility companies don't want to pinpoint how long repairs will take. A baseball tournament next to the sinkhole is scheduled for this weekend.
"I don't want the kids during the game all of a sudden focus over here, and a ball gets hit to them and they get hit in the head," said Baseball League Board President Jaime Del Gadillo. "Hopefully they keep their mind on the game and just play baseball."
If you see news where you live, tag your photos and videos on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook with #abc7now.
#HappeningNow in #UnionCity. Sinkhole grew from 6x6 feet to 25x25 & 10 feet deep. Latest on work & traffic at 11am. pic.twitter.com/npIMLy3BnH
— Matt Keller (@MattKellerABC7) October 15, 2015
Union City sinkhole filling with water, Alvarado Boulevard & New Haven St. #abc7now pic.twitter.com/jPEliuVsVn
— Cbarnard (@CornellBarnard) October 15, 2015
Update: Sink hole on Alvarado Blvd is roughly 10ft x 12ft. Depth unknown. Area remains blocked off to traffic. pic.twitter.com/HZlIObRUbv
— City of Union City (@UnionCity_Gov) October 14, 2015
sinkhole in front of AMS...the world is ending yo pic.twitter.com/2b5SZcdDhV
— C J (@christinegolfo) October 14, 2015
Huge sinkhole near my old elementary school in Union City. NBD right? pic.twitter.com/tnjTwo7I2M
— Marjan Rajabi (@_mar920) October 14, 2015
Northbound lanes on Alvarado Blvd are closed btwn Fair Ranch Rd & Fredi St until further notice due to a sink hole. PW crews are on scene.
— City of Union City (@UnionCity_Gov) October 14, 2015
Correction:Westbound lane on Alvarado Blvd is closed btwn Fair Ranch Rd & New Haven St until further notice.Crews are monitoring a sink hole
— City of Union City (@UnionCity_Gov) October 14, 2015