Sinkhole Forces Closure of Union City Intersection

A major Union City intersection was closed Wednesday afternoon because of a sinkhole, police said.

The sinkhole at Alvarado Boulevard and New Haven Street was reported shortly before noon. The intersection is closed because of the sinkhole, disrupting traffic in the area, according to police.

The closure will remain in effect until further notice, authorities said.

Officials with nearby Alvarado Middle School said no students at the school are affected, but parents are encouraged to arrange for alternative travel to school. Parents are being asked to contact the New Haven Unified School District for more information on the sinkhole’s impact on school transporation.

PHOTO: Sinkhole blocking traffic at intersection of Alvarado Blvd./New Haven St. in Union City, near Fire Station #2 pic.twitter.com/9aTyh0ejtq
— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) October 14, 2015

An Alameda County Fire Department spokesperson said nearby Union City Fire Station #2 is unaffected, except that emergency vehicles can only turn right when exiting.

The cause of the sinkhole is not yet known.

A spokesperson for Union City said the city is coordinating with local utility companies to evaluate the situation.