Updates on Bay Shore Avenue Sinkhole

The Department of Public Works is actively addressing an approximately 12-by-20-foot sinkhole that formed on Sunday, November 2, in the eastbound travel lane of Bay Shore Avenue between Vista Street and Appian Way. While exact details of the cause are still being determined, sinkholes can occur when soils underground are eroded by damaged utilities and natural processes. Subsurface erosion can also extend beyond the visible opening. 

Continued updates will be available on this page, as they become available.

Current Conditions and Traffic Impacts 

• Bay Shore Avenue is closed to through traffic between Vista Street and Appian Way.
• Drivers are encouraged to follow detour signage for alternate routes.
• Pedestrian access remains available on the sidewalk.
• Parking is being maintained on Bayshore Avenue to the maximum extent practicable; however, some spaces may be used for construction and staging.

Updates

March 5, 2026

Construction work related to the storm drain system, underground utilities, manhole, catch basins, soil backfilling, and pavement repair has been completed. Bay Shore Avenue is now open to traffic. The contractor will return to install traffic striping, and a temporary street closure may be needed to complete the work.

February 9, 2026

Construction to repair the Bay Shore Avenue sinkhole is scheduled to begin Feb. 9, 2026, and is expected to last approximately one month, weather and tidal conditions permitting. Work will generally occur Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; however, activities are subject to tidal conditions and schedules may be revised accordingly. No construction is planned for the City holiday on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.

For public safety, Bay Shore Avenue will remain closed to through traffic between Vista Street and Appian Way for the duration of construction. Pedestrian access will be maintained on adjacent sidewalks, and on-street parking will remain available where feasible, though temporary parking restrictions may be implemented to support construction operations.

February 2, 2026

The Public Works Department and contractor have finalized the approach for upcoming repairs. Construction is scheduled to begin February 2026 and is estimated to be completed by April 2026 with a one-month duration, barring weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

November 21, 2025

Temporary stabilization of the sinkhole was completed before rainstorms to prevent further erosion. The conditions of the existing storm drains have been evaluated to inform the repair plan, and the Department of Public Works is working with a contractor to finalize the repair approach and timeline. Vehicle access remains restricted as a safety precaution.

November 10, 2025

Crews are prioritizing stabilization of the area, with temporary measures being implemented to protect the site and prevent further erosion. Permanent repairs will include repair and replacement of underground utilities including storm drain pipes, a manhole, catch basins, backfill of eroded soils, and pavement restoration. Repairs will require use of the full street width.

Public Works is expediting efforts to design and complete the necessary repairs. The City remains focused on restoring the area as quickly and safely as possible.

For questions, please contact stormwater@longbeach.gov.