The Bilbao City Council will begin emergency works today to fix a sinkhole that appeared on November 1st near numbers 1 and 2 in the Zurbaranbarri neighborhood. Technical reports confirm significant damage to the sewage and rainwater networks, as well as two inspection wells. The works, starting immediately, are estimated to take three months and will cost 300,000 euros (excluding VAT).
Geophysical studies suggest internal soil erosion due to persistent water circulation is the most likely cause. Three temporary pumping units have been installed to divert water to the main collector, which has been inspected and shows no structural damage.
Due to the complete closure of one of the main streets, the City Council implemented provisional signage on November 6th. Traffic is restricted, and vehicles longer than 9 meters are prohibited from turning, except for authorized ones.
The intervention will be carried out in several phases: excavation of unstable material, temporary diversion of a telephone line, demolition and installation of new sewage pipes, and repaving of the street.
