A large pothole has developed on Smokin Pistol between Golden Vista and Cownman’s Trail. After an initial investigation, we suspect this is due to subsurface erosion of the roadbed leading to that portion of the asphalt being unsupported. A heavy vehicle driving over it (probably a garbage truck) caused the unsupported surface to collapse, leaving a disturbingly large hole.
Water appearing in the hole leads us to believe that the source of the erosion may be a leaking water main. We have confirmed that there is a water main in that location. Tucson Water states that there is no apparent loss of water pressure on that line, but a slow leak will usually not result in a pressure drop. Tucson Water has classified the investigation/repair as an “emergency” and plans to dispatch a crew to look into it no later than Thursday 2/15.
Until repairs can be completed, please drive slowly and stay as far to the west side of the road as you can when passing this spot. We will post updates as more information becomes available.
Thank you to the numerous homeowners that called in to report this, and to those that provided marker cones, lights, and even a trash bin to help residents see and avoid the hazard.