Cones, detours and slow traffic are still frustrating commuters near Morena Boulevard.
SAN DIEGO — Drivers in San Diego’s Morena neighborhood are still dealing with the effects of last week’s sinkhole, which forced widespread closures around a major intersection. What was expected to be a quick repair has taken longer than anticipated, causing disruptions to traffic and local businesses.
According to the City of San Diego’s Public Utilities Department, water has been restored to nearby businesses, and a couple of additional lanes on Morena Boulevard have reopened. The intersection, however, is still lined with cones and detour signs, causing major headaches for drivers.
Crews spent much of Wednesday continuing pavement repairs near the intersection of Morena Boulevard and Sherman Street following a water main break that caused the sinkhole. Two of the three southbound lanes on Morena Boulevard have now reopened, along with the northbound lane. Sherman Street, however, remains closed, and drivers are still being urged to avoid the area if possible.
For nearby residents like Holly Churchill, disruptions from water main breaks and ongoing construction have become all too common.
“It’s congestion already with the projects they’re doing for the expansion and the high-density growth, and then you add in a mistake, which can happen, but a sinkhole? Now people can’t get to their houses, and they’re worried about their communities and their businesses,” Churchill said. “A person could literally fall. It’s frightening.”
Those worries extend to local businesses, which have had to navigate detours and slow traffic.
Deft Brewing owner Morris Nuspl said the construction has taken a toll. When gas service was shut off, the brewery lost an entire brewing day, but fortunately, die-hard customers have still been finding their way to the popular establishment despite the nearby construction.
“It definitely has impacted us. We’ve seen a slowdown,” Nuspl said. Pacific Sales, located on the corner, remains open, but its parking lot is completely blocked by construction. Meanwhile, water has been restored to nearby businesses like Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant, which had been forced to shut down for several days.
City officials say if repairs stay on schedule, the entire intersection could reopen as early as Wednesday evening. Crews are expected to remain on site as roadwork and pavement restoration continue.