Sinkhole Closes Road, Prompts Home Evacuations

UPDATE 2:35 P.M.: The city of Bethlehem has issued a boil advisory for water customers who lost water service or pressure during this water main break.

At least four homes were evacuated and a road shut down in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Monday because of a water main break and sinkhole that threatens neighborhood safety.

Resident K.A. Frisch took this week off to decorate and bake holiday goodies. Instead, she hurried to gather supplies for herself and her three cats in case she has to leave her home on Irma Drive.

Frisch lives at 2247. Units 2251 through 2257 were evacuated Monday morning because of an 8 to 10-foot-deep sinkhole that zigzags under the rowhomes located off Airport Road.

Part of a on nearby Schoenersville Road last week.

"It's not really all that surprising," said Frisch. "We are on sinkholes. This (development) is on limestone. We've had many, many sinkholes already."

Frisch has lived there since 1985 and recalled a sinkhole at one nearby house that cost more than $40,000 to repair.

She has sinkhole insurance.

"I'm glad I paid that bill," she said.

Frisch watched as Bethlehem water department crews worked to stabilize the hole and repair a water main break that caused the hole to open. Residents in the area should boil their water until further notice, according to a Morning Call report.

Trouble started at 8:03 a.m., Frisch said. She was taking a shower when "the water just shut off - boom." She reported the problem and then went out to run errands. When she returned, her street was blocked off with part of it collapsing into the widening hole.

"The baking can wait. The decorating can wait. Let's just see if I have a house to live in," said Frisch.

Firefighters from Hanover Township are assisting public works crews at the scene.

Volunteer firefighters and township workers at a Bethlehem Township home in August.