A significant sinkhole recently formed at the intersection of Cass and 17th Street in North St. Louis, causing widespread concern in the community. This massive collapse has exposed crumbling infrastructure, with sewers that date back to the Civil War era. While the sinkhole has become a major traffic disruption, it also highlights the larger, long-standing issue of St. Louis’s aging public works, particularly its sewer system. As officials and construction crews begin the repair process, it’s clear that the city faces a complex challenge, made even harder by a declining population and financial strain.
Residents have voiced concerns about the safety risks associated with the sinkhole, with one commuter, Patricia, expressing relief that no one was driving when it occurred. The collapse occurred near the former Pruitt-Igoe housing projects, and for many, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s a wake-up call about the state of the city’s infrastructure. Bess McCoy, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), noted the severity of the problem, explaining that some of the sewer lines in the area have been in place since the Civil War.
The collapse also brings to light the everyday dangers faced by those navigating the area, such as Eddie Burns, a local who regularly deals with broken sidewalks and crosswalks. “What’s next?” he wonders, worried about further damage spreading to other parts of the neighborhood.
This sinkhole falls under Alderman Rasheen Aldridge’s 14th Ward, where there’s a growing urgency to resolve the issue before it worsens. Aldridge voiced his concerns, stating that it’s crucial to address the situation before it affects nearby homes. The city is working closely with MSD to investigate the cause of the collapse, while also determining the costs and logistics of repairs.
With thousands of miles of sewer lines in need of repair, McCoy acknowledged that some issues inevitably go unnoticed. The financial cost of fixing the sinkhole is still unclear, but it underscores the broader financial burden of the city’s aging infrastructure. In a recent vote, 80% of residents approved a rate hike to fund a $7.2 billion project to bring St. Louis’s sewers up to federal standards. However, completing this project over the next 15 years will require tough decisions and significant investment.
The 17th and Cass sinkhole is the largest of three major sinkholes currently affecting St. Louis streets, with the collapse being too severe for standard repair methods. Specialized crews have been called in to manage the situation. As barricades prevent access to the site, the sinkhole has become a potent symbol of St. Louis’s ongoing infrastructure struggles, serving as a reminder of the costs that often go unseen by the public, but that have a significant impact on daily life.