News Summary
In Greenville, SC, and Pitt County, NC, multiple sinkholes caused by water main breaks have led to significant traffic disruptions. Local authorities are working on repairs and directing drivers to alternate routes. A viral video captured the growing dangers as residents noticed warning signs before the sinkhole incidents. While repairs at key locations like West Third and South Pitt Streets are underway, local officials emphasize the importance of infrastructure maintenance and monitoring in preventing future disruptions.
Greenville, SC – Multiple sinkholes caused by water main breaks have created significant traffic disruptions in Greenville, South Carolina, and Pitt County, North Carolina, prompting local authorities to implement repairs and direct drivers to alternate routes.
The Greenwood Police Department reported a sinkhole on Seaboard Avenue, located between Byrd Street and Pressley Street, just off Main Street. Maintenance crews from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) are currently assessing the damage, with repair plans expected to be announced shortly.
In Pitt County, a separate sinkhole formed at the intersection of West Third Street and South Pitt Street due to a water main break. Greenville Utilities, along with tow truck crews, have since worked to pull a truck from the sinkhole, which has led to the temporary closure of that intersection for repairs. While the water main issue has been resolved, road repairs are now being managed by the city.
A local resident observed signs of trouble before the sinkhole emerged, noting water flowing and cracking on the road surface. This resident attempted to alert a truck driver of the danger, but the driver reportedly reacted dismissively. When the truck became stuck in the sinkhole, the driver later expressed regret for their initial attitude.
Another resident, who recorded a video that has since gone viral with over 3 million views, also tried to warn passing drivers about the sinkhole. This individual expressed feelings of hurt after receiving a racial remark from the driver who ignored the warning and subsequently became trapped.
The city has now repaired the sinkhole at West Third and South Pitt Streets, indicating a move towards restoring normal traffic flow. Additionally, Garlington Road was partially closed due to another sinkhole but has since reopened, with a temporary bypass lane put in place during the repairs. Local resident Damian McClelland remarked on the inconvenience caused by the road closure, which extended his commute from 2 minutes to 30 minutes. He was appreciative of the prompt response from SCDOT, yet he expressed concern about potential future preventative measures to avoid similar disruptions.
Another incident reported included a 16-inch water main break that resulted in the closure of Woodruff Road between Rocky Slope Road and Mall Connector Road. Repair work on this portion of the road is ongoing, and no timetable has been established for reopening it to traffic. Local police have advised drivers to avoid the closed areas and utilize Verdae Boulevard and Laurens Road as alternative routes to navigate around the affected locations.
The series of sinkholes underscores the pressing need for infrastructure maintenance and monitoring in the region as weather conditions and aging systems contribute to road degradation. Local officials continue to prioritize the safety and accessibility of roadways while working diligently to restore affected areas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Major Sinkhole Closes Walker Avenue in Greenwood
Additional Resources
- WITN: Water Main Break Causes Sinkhole in Greenville
- Wikipedia: Sinkhole
- WITN: Greenville Man Speaks Out After Viral Sinkhole Video
- Google Search: Sinkhole Greenville
- Fox Carolina: Sinkhole in Greenville Causes Detours
- Google Scholar: Sinkhole Infrastructure Maintenance
- Greenville Online: Water Main Break Closes Section of Woodruff Road
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sinkhole
- WYFF4: SCDOT Closes Road for Emergency Repairs in Greenville County
- Google News: Sinkhole Greenville Repairs
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
