Storm Delays Sinkhole Repair, Torrance Street Remains Closed

TORRANCE, CA – Storms will delay repairs on a large sinkhole that opened up at the site of a water main break, forcing the closure of a Torrance street all week, authorities said Monday.

The sinkhole opened up about 9 p.m. Saturday on Van Ness Avenue between Dominguez Street and Arlington Avenue, Torrance Assistant Fire Chief Carl Besanceney said.

"I was notified by our water department that repairs to fill the sinkhole and reopen the street will be delayed until Jan.19 because of the upcoming inclement weather," Besanceney said.

The sinkhole on the southbound side grew to 30 feet by 15 feet in size on Saturday, Besanceney said. There was settling of the street on the northbound side.

The broken water main was 16 inches in diameter, he said.

All traffic on that part of Van Ness Avenue has been shut down and the water was turned off while crews worked to repair the damage, Besanceney said. Motorists were advised to use Western Avenue or Crenshaw Boulevard as alternative routes and eastbound and westbound motorists were advised to use Del Amo or Torrance boulevards.

The affected area is commercial and industrial, he said.

City News Service contributed to this post; Image via Shutterstock