Massive Sinkhole Repair in South St. Louis City | Bates Utility Company

A massive sinkhole opened near Interstate 55 in South St. Louis City. The city's water department confirmed that the sinkhole was caused by a water main break, which resulted in water flowing beneath Idaho Avenue and eroding the ground. This erosion ultimately led to a partial collapse of Idaho Avenue near Blow Street.
The Bates Utility Company was called in to assess and repair the water main break responsible for the sinkhole. To ensure safety in a 30-foot-deep excavation, Bates utilized a combination of shoring systems, including sheet piles, street plates, soldier beams, and wood lagging, all secured with mega bracing. Additionally, they employed a waler system consisting of structural beams and spreader bars.