Oakdale Replaces Cracked Pipe That Caused 'Giant' Sinkhole: Photo

The city of Oakdale has released a picture of the broken water main that caused what officials said was a "giant" sinkhole beneath Interstate 694 early Sunday. Shawn Nelson, Oakdale's utility superintendent, believes the pipe may have been leaking slightly prior to the incident. The leak may have been caused by movement in the ground and roadway work. Nelson doesn't think the age of the pipe is a factor as the joints and casing appeared to be in good condition.

I-694 between Interstate 94 in Woodbury and Highway 36 in Oakdale has been closed since Sunday. The city expects I-694 to be closed for the remainder of the week.

Currently only a handful of homes are still without water, and the city is contacting those residents directly with more information. The city-wide water use restrictions that were put into place Sunday have been lifted.

Motorists are advised to use the following detour:

• Northbound traffic should detour heading west on I-94, north to 35E
• Southbound traffic should take Highway 36 west to I-35E and head south to I-94

Images via City of Oakdale