News

Work to repair a “rapidly-developing sinkhole” on Myrtle Avenue near Eighth Avenue revealed that a nearly 100-year-old storm drain line had partially collapsed and had “multiple joint and other failures,” according to the city of Eureka.

To protect the road, city officials determined that the best course was to abandon the pipe and install a new one, which means the full width of Myrtle will need to be dug up. 
“Rather than close the road and detour traffic on to other city streets, the city has decided to build a temporary bypass road around the construction site,” a release states. “Construction of the bypass road began last week and will be followed by the installation of the culvert.”

According to the city, construction is expected to be completed by winter and access to “the Eureka Skate Park and other businesses/residences in the area will be maintained” but the project will have major impacts on traffic flow.

Anyone who can is asked avoid the area and use alternative routes.

Read the full city of Eureka release below:

Over the last few weeks, motorists and residents may have noticed City crews working in Myrtle Avenue near the intersection of 8th Street. The activity was prompted by a rapidly-developing sinkhole. After much work to determine the cause of the sinkhole, it was determined that a storm drain line deep beneath Myrtle Avenue had partially collapsed. A video inspection of the culvert revealed multiple joint and other failures in the nearly 100-year old pipe. In order to protect the roadway and critical infrastructure within it, the city will be abandoning the pipe and installing a new, larger pipe adjacent to the existing culvert. The new culvert will be designed and sized to accommodate large storm events and provide for fish passage.

Due to the size and depth of the new culvert, the construction operation will require the full width of Myrtle Avenue to be excavated. Rather than close the road and detour traffic on to other City streets, the City has decided to build a temporary bypass road around the construction site. Construction of the bypass road began last week and will be followed by the installation of the culvert.

Members of the public who frequent Myrtle Avenue are advised to seek alternate routes. While a temporary bypass route will be provided, it will not be paved and will be slow moving. Access to the Eureka Skate Park and other businesses/residences in the area will be maintained, but will be impacted as a result of the new bypass configuration. For those who cannot (or choose not to) use an alternate route, please allow for additional travel time to and from your destination, and be aware of workers and equipment within the construction area. Construction is expected to be completed before winter, with Myrtle Avenue being re-opened as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact the City of Eureka’s Department of Public Works at (707) 441-4203.