East Austin Sinkhole Prompts Road Closure (Updated)

Update: Police re-opened Springdale Road in East Austin after a sinkhole that grew in size overnight sparked the road's temporary closure on Sunday.

The street had been closed in both directions between Webberville Road and 12th Street Sunday because of the gaping hole in the asphalt. By late Sunday, the road was re-opened to traffic, in both directions, but barricades have been installed around the hole.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution if using the road driving to and from their destinations.

From earlier:

EAST AUSTIN, TX — An East Austin sinkhole has grown to such dimensions Sunday evening as to prompt police to close a street in both directions.

Police reportedly have closed Springdale Road between Webberville Road and 12th Street after the sinkhole grew exponentially, seemingly overnight. Although the cause of the asphalt failure is unclear, relentless rains fell on Austin all day Saturday yielding a possible clue as to the road breakdown.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area. Police late Sunday were at the scene directing traffic.

It's unclear when the road might be reopened. Patch will provide further details as police make them available.

CBS Austin was at the scene, taking a photo of the sinkhole in a dramatic illustration of its dimensions:

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