Raleigh, N.C. — A leaking fire hydrant knocked over in a wreck might have contributed to a 15-foot wide sinkhole in Wade Avenue that snarled traffic in Raleigh Wednesday morning.

Around 5:30 a.m., A truck driver backed over a fire hydrant in the parking lot of the Ridgewood Shopping Center, off Wade Avenue between Dixie Trail and Ridge Road. 

Andy Brogden, with Raleigh Public Utilities, said that wreck might have been a factor in two water-main breaks: one underneath Wade Avenue and one in the shopping center, according to Raleigh public works officials.

The result, though, was clear: a 15-foot wide and six-feet deep hole in Wade Avenue.

"I looked out, and there's this huge hole," said North Carolina State University student Miah Yoo, who lives across from the sinkhole. "I didn't know what it was. I didn't know what happened."

Westbound lanes of Wade Avenue have been closed between Dixie Trail and Dogwood Lane. Traffic was being detoured onto Dixie Trail, then onto Lake Boone Trail, onto Ridge Road, and then back to Wade Avenue.

Eastbound traffic on Wade Avenue was also being reduced to one lane for a short distance around the site of the cave-in.

Police advised motorists to expect delays and avoid the area, if possible.

Crews have laid a new pipe through the sinkhole, which must be paved over. Public works officials said the lane closures should be re-opened by 4 p.m.

About a dozen businesses, including Tripps, Bruegger's Bagels and Medlin-Davis Cleaner in Ridgewood shopping center, are without water. Service should be restored by mid- to late afternoon.

Wade Avenue lane closures, detour

View Wade Avenue lane closures in a larger map