UPDATE (5:42 p.m.): Two lanes of traffic were reopened on eastbound Interstate 8. Officials have yet to give an estimated time of completion.
SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – A sinkhole reported on Interstate 8 in the Mission Valley area prompted authorities to shut down the eastbound side of the freeway - one of five water main breaks that made a mess of the area Thursday.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a water main break was reported shortly after 12 p.m. on the eastbound No. 4 lane of I-8, near Hotel Circle.
The main break caused a sinkhole to form in the lane, the CHP reported. Officials shut down eastbound traffic while crews worked to get a handle on the break.
Traffic was being diverted onto Hotel Circle and back on eastbound I-8 after the break.
The southbound and northbound connectors from I-5, and the Nimitz Blvd., Mission Bay Dr., and Sports Arena Blvd. on-ramps to EB I-8 were closed following the break.
Video from commuters on the ground showed the traffic backup beginning as the main sprayed water into the air.
Sooo a pipe exploded on the highway and this happens...here comes a potential sinkhole/road collapse ?? pic.twitter.com/z5Pvip7DnG
— Chloe Bycoskie (@chloebycoskie) September 14, 2017
An hour earlier, a water main break was reported along Morena Boulevard and Savannah Street - in the same area, flooding numerous businesses and causing thousands in damage.
City officials said a 16-inch-diameter, cast iron water main broke and left customers in the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Morena Blvd. without water service.
In all, officials said there were five water main breaks in total - two on or near the I-8 and three in the Morena area all connected.
The breaks are expected to affect hotel guests staying in the area, according to officials.
City crews are currently working on repairs. No estimate for a completion time was given.
