Electricity restored to homes in Phillipsburg as crews work to fix sinkhole

PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. — Crews restored electricity to homes in the area affected by a sinkhole that opened up in Phillipsburg Monday.

In a Facebook post Thursday, Phillipsburg says it continues to actively monitor and address the roadway collapse and related issues in the area of Summit Avenue and Lewis Street.

As of around 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Aqua N.J. authorities say crews were able to install a second valve and restore water service to all but 4 homes on Summit Ave, and all water service has been restored on Lewis Street. Officials say residents may experience some air in the water lines or discoloration, and to run cold water to clear the lines.

There is no gas service on Summit Ave, according to the town’s post.

“That sinkhole is crazy. I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Derek Montilone, who lives nearby.

Neighbors like Montilone are watching anxiously, as crews work around the clock to fix the voids along Summit Avenue.

“The intersection is probably undermined completely, right. So that’s why homes are having issues,” said Matt Noel, Phillipsburg Public Works Director.

On Thursday afternoon, gas lines were visible from one side of the road to the other.

Noel says areas of Summit Avenue spray painted with pink lines, meaning voids have been detected.

“They were able to peel back the blacktop there and see how deep it was, and in most cases, it wasn’t really an issue. So, they’re moving forward, and those areas are stable,” said Noel.

The lines are also sprayed on sidewalks and in front of eight empty homes. The homes have been deemed unsafe. Residents living in the homes have been housed by agencies or family members.

“It was tough, you know, no electricity for a couple of days. No water,” said Montilone.

Town officials, police and first responders have been making rounds to check on residents every few hours.

“If they need water, food, whatever, whatever they may need, and give them some information about where they can go for warming stations and to get help if necessary,” said Noel.

Phillipsburg Mayor Randy Piazza says it will be a slow moving process, but officials want to ensure the area is safe.

The town remains in a state of emergency and officials are doing check-in’s to see what funds are available.

Two warming shelters have been opened.

The Phillipsburg Housing Authority has opened the EnVision Center until 5 p.m. and the Phillipsburg Public Library is open until 8 p.m.

The town said it will continue to post updates.