LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB ) -- Crews are working to repair a sewer collapse near downtown Louisville. 

In a social media post, the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District shared pictures of a large hole that opened up Monday morning under Campbell Street between Liberty and Jefferson Streets. 

The roadway is closed, and MSD said that there are lane closures on Jefferson Street in the area. 

In a release, MSD said crews had to dig down 15 feed to replace a 27-inch brick sewer line that had served the area since 1902. In addition to the sewer line, the brick manhole will also be replaced with a modern concrete model. 

The problem was discovered when Louisville Water crews discovered a large void under the pavement on Campbell Street. Recent rains had washed away soil that supported the sewer line. 

MSD said it is responsible for maintaining more than 3,600 miles of sewer lines -- a distance it said is more than the distance from California to Maine. Many of the lines are more than 75 years old and about 43 miles of the network are made of brick. 

The Metropolitan Sewer District announced in May that it will increase its rate by 6.9% to cover upgrades and repairs across Jefferson County. 

Every homeowner in Louisville pays for flood protections, sewer maintenance and water treatment, and on Aug. 1, the bill from MSD is going up.

The fiscal year 2025 budget plan will invest more than $298.8 million to support 208 projects. 

MSD said the 6.9% rate increase would add $5.19 to the average monthly Jefferson County residential bill and $3.74 to the average Oldham County residential bill beginning Aug. 1. MSD will continue to offer a 30% discount for qualified low-income ratepayers in both counties. 

There are some pipes that date back to the 1860s, and crucial facilities rely on technology from the 1950s. The capital projects are needed to repair sewer, flood protection and drainage systems. 

Related Stories:

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.