Second sinkhole in days raises concerns in Holladay neighborhood

HOLLADAY — A second sinkhole in less than two weeks has alarmed residents along Nila Way in Holladay, where the street has collapsed twice near 4100 South and 2900 East.

The first incident occurred shortly after a resident noticed an unusual sound on June 4.

On Wednesday, a second depression appeared in nearly the same location, prompting a renewed response from Salt Lake City utility crews.

Helen Velis, who has lived on Nila Way for 38 years, witnessed the first collapse.

“We saw the whole thing collapse,” Velis said. “It was shocking to watch.”

City crews repaired the initial sinkhole, but the new depression — approximately two feet wide and two feet deep — has raised fresh concerns among neighbors.

Jesse Stewart, deputy director of public utilities for Salt Lake City, said the issue likely stems from a water line break earlier this month.

“What we had out there was a water line break back in early June. It was repaired on June 6,” Stewart said. “This new depression is probably the result of water from that break running underground and creating a void.”

Despite the smaller size of the second collapse, Stewart emphasized that the city is taking no chances.

“They’re going to go back over it, excavate down, put in good backfill, compact it and lay new asphalt,” he said.

Bradley Nordgren, another longtime resident, said he’s relieved to see the crews back at work.

“Hopefully they’ll find the source of the problem so it doesn’t keep happening,” Nordgren said.

Stewart urged residents to report any signs of road buckling or collapse immediately.

“If people see anything unusual, they should call public works right away,” he said.

Salt Lake City Public Utilities can be reached at (801) 483-6700 or online at www.slc.gov/utilities.

Related: What causes sinkholes?