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Lancaster sinkhole closes roadway, boil water advisory in place for residents

An official with UGI said work on the gas line would likely continue all day. He expected the street would be repaved and reopened by late Friday.

LANCASTER, Pa. — Update, Jan. 5, 11:40 a.m.: The water main break, as well as a separate break caused by the vibrations of repairing the first break, have been repaired. 

Crews from UGI continue to work on the natural gas line. The earlier water leak washed away some of the soil underneath the gas line, causing it to sag. 

An official with UGI said work on the gas line would likely continue all day. He expected the street would be repaved and reopened by late Friday.

Update, Jan. 5, 7:39 a.m.: Lancaster officials say that Duke Street will remain closed until utility repairs to water and gas service can be completed. 

The boil water advisory for customers at 115, 119, 120, 125, 126, 135, 139, 141, 143 and 147 N. Duke Street also remains in effect until further notice.

Update, 8:04 p.m.: An official with the Lancaster City Department of Public Works said the sinkhole was caused by a water main break under the street. 

The 100 block of N. Duke St. is expected to remain without water service until about 5 p.m., the official said.

A boil water advisory has been put in effect until further notice. 

The notice is for customers at 115, 119, 120, 125, 126, 135, 139, 141, 143 and 147 N. Duke Street. For more information, click here

The leak had been detected since the deep freeze that occurred around Christmas. The official said a leak detection firm had been out checking the spot early in the morning of Jan. 4 but could not stop the leak before it caused the sinkhole. 

Crews from the Lancaster Area Sewer Authority and UGI were expected on scene to check for potential damage to the sewage and electric lines, respectively.

Lancaster City Police have confirmed that the road is still closed, but that they hope to have it reopened by midnight tonight. 

No injuries were reported.

Previously

Some peoples' morning commutes were abruptly halted when a bus was swallowed by a sinkhole.

Emergency personnel were dispatched just before 9:30 a.m. to East Orange Street near North Duke Street in Lancaster.

The bus was freed from the sinkhole shortly after 11 a.m. 

There is no word on how long it will take to complete repairs on the affected roadway.

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