Pennsylvania Sinkhole News Brief – August 2025

On August 9, a massive sinkhole opened in the parking lot of the Tanger Outlets in Lancaster, swallowing six cars and doubling in size within hours. Emergency crews worked to recover vehicles and secure the area, as the sinkhole’s instability and proximity to gas lines created additional hazards.
No injuries were reported, but the event drew widespread attention and prompted a geotechnical investigation into the cause, likely linked to the dissolution of carbonate rocks beneath the surface.
Authorities warned the public to stay away from the site, and property owners, engineers, and geologists coordinated to assess and stabilize the area.

Source: Geoengineer.org

A dangerous sinkhole, measuring roughly 10 by 15 feet and up to 15 feet deep, forced the emergency closure of State Road between Route 906 and Pennsylvania Avenue in Monessen, Westmoreland County.
City officials declared an emergency, citing mine subsidence as the cause. The sinkhole posed a direct threat to motorists and public works personnel, requiring immediate stabilization and repair efforts.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of mine-related ground instability in the Pittsburgh region, with ongoing infrastructure repairs and heightened public safety concerns.

Source: WPXI News

Horton Street in South Wilkes-Barre was hit by its second major sinkhole in less than three weeks. The latest collapse, which opened between Church and Warren streets, caused a water main break and gas leak, leading to the evacuation of a dozen residents.
Utility crews worked to restore gas, water, and electricity, but some customers faced extended outages due to extensive line damage. The sinkholes are linked to the collapse of a 56-inch terra cotta sewer/stormwater line, not mine subsidence.
Both sinkholes followed heavy rainstorms, highlighting the vulnerability of aging infrastructure to extreme weather. Repairs are ongoing, with parts of Horton Street remaining closed to traffic.

Source: WVIA News

In May and continuing into August, a sinkhole developed in the eastbound lanes of Route 422 (Main Street) in Palmyra Borough, Lebanon County, prompting PennDOT to close the roadway between Prince and Duke Streets.
Detours were implemented while contractors worked to stabilize and repair the affected section. The duration of the closure remained uncertain as of late August.

Source: PennDOT

A large sinkhole, measuring 60 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 20 feet deep, was stabilized and restored by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy at the intersection of Route 30 East and Fred Rogers Drive in Unity Township.
The restoration project, completed by July 2025, involved stream diversion, culvert installation, and filling the void with stone and soil. Vegetation restoration is planned for spring 2026.

Source: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

Pennsylvania lawmakers advanced House Bill 589, which would create a state-run Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Program. The bill proposes $10 million in initial funding and would reimburse homeowners up to $150,000 for damage not covered by private insurance.
The program aims to become self-sustaining through premiums, incentivize risk reduction, and support communities facing growing geological hazards. The bill passed committee but awaits a full House vote.

Source: Spotlight PA

We are a team passionate about providing sinkhole related information to the public.

Latest posts by Sinkholemaps.com Team (see all)