DeBarr Road reopened after burst water main causes sinkhole in westbound lanes

The westbound lanes of DeBarr Road were reopened late Monday near the East Anchorage Costco store after a large sinkhole and burst water main were repaired.

The break in the 16-inch water main caused the sinkhole near Hoyt Street, close to the Costco entrance.

Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility announced around 8:25 p.m. that all lanes of DeBarr had been reopened.

Utility spokeswoman Sandy Baker said the sinkhole was reported around 7 a.m. Monday. There were no reports of vehicles being damaged.

Water was shut off in the pipe Monday, but Baker said it did not affect nearby businesses or homes.

Baker said corrosion caused the pipe to break. Crews dug to the pipe Monday morning, which runs at least 10 feet below ground, and by about 5 p.m. the hole was being refilled. Baker said crews would patch the pavement afterward and then reopen the road.

Pavement in the area may need to be repaired after temperatures rise, but Baker said the crews would create a permanent repair to the pipe Monday.

[2019: Northern Lights near UAA reopened after days-long closure for repair of washout that caused sinkhole]