MISSOULA — Missoula city officials tell MTN News that the hole at the intersection of Whitaker and Artemos is not a sinkhole.
City officials say crews were doing road repairs on Tuesday when it turned out to be a bigger problem.
Missoula Public Works was attempting to dig out an old water main going up the hill along Whitaker Drive on November 9 when the crews encountered groundwater.
The crews were aware of a potential break in the water main but had difficulty locating it with the groundwater surrounding the water main and surrounding embankments caving into the hole.
Over the course of several days, city public work crews have been digging and attempting to repair the water main and the large hole.
Logan McInnis says Tuesday night they thought they fixed it, but returned Wednesday morning to find the hole filled with water. Water was turned off and on over the course of several days to about 15 homes.
McInnis says water is back on Wednesday but at a reduced pressure while crews do repair work. He said Thursday they will need to turn off the water for a few hours, while crews continue to make repairs.
(first report: 11:30 a.m. - November 15, 2023)
Crews are on the scene of a sinkhole that opened up in a Missoula neighborhood Wednesday morning.
The sinkhole is located at the intersection of Artemos Drive and Whitaker Drive.
Developing story. Check back for updates.
