City Water Resources and Transportation crews reported progress Thursday on efforts to fix the roadway impacted by a large sinkhole in east Greensboro created by a water main break on Tuesday, August 11. While water service was restored Tuesday night, repairs to stormwater pipes 20 feet underground and the impacted road surface will keep areas around the intersection of South Benbow Road and Perkins Street closed until 5 pm on Friday, August 14.
Stormwater crews repaired damaged pipes on Wednesday and helped dig out and haul away asphalt Thursday morning in preparation for road surface repairs by City transportation staff. Employees are cleaning streets impacted by the work and returning equipment to storage areas. Transportation crews should complete paving and open the affected streets on Friday.
Water Resources officials determined a failed six‑inch water line under the street caused the sinkhole. Originally installed in the 1950s, the City’s system recorded the line as disconnected in 1972, but the line remained connected and pressurized. It ultimately split at the bottom, and water leaked down into the surrounding area, eroded the soil, and entered a storm drain line, which led to the sinkhole.
Since 2021, City staff have repaired more than 180 breaks a year across more than 1,500 miles of water lines. While water main breaks are common in large systems like Greensboro’s, sinkholes like this one are rare. A sinkhole of this magnitude has not occurred in Greensboro since 2007.
Historically, the City’s water and sewer lines were not tracked as robustly as today. The Water Resources Department charts more than 3,000 miles of water and sewer lines using the City’s Geographic Information System. Staff update and map incorrect or outdated records as needed.
Water main breaks can occur anywhere in the system, and depending on conditions, a water pipe may last 100 years. The City’s Water and Sewer Rehabilitation Program monitors and evaluates water and sewer infrastructure for replacement. In the 2026-27 fiscal year, the City expects to spend $13 million on these efforts. Learn more about the program and see a map of upcoming projects at greensboro-nc.gov/Rehab.
Residents should report water and sewer emergencies, including main breaks and sewer stoppages, or changes in the taste, odor, or color of drinking water, to Water Resources 24-hour Dispatch at 336-373-2033. Early detection and reporting help the department respond quickly and prevent issues from becoming more severe.
