Water leakage causes excavation in Primero de Mayo avenue, Naucalpan; Oapas rules out the use of a sinkhole

A water leak led to a controlled excavation on Avenida Primero de Mayo in Naucalpan, prompting partial road closures and affecting traffic flow toward Toluca. The Naucalpan Water Supply, Sewage and Drainage Authority (Oapas) confirmed that the incident was not a sinkhole but a deliberate excavation triggered by the leak. The issue was identified late Sunday night when workers noticed water seeping from a damaged pipe. According to Oapas Director Gregorio Ramos Ramírez, the team discovered a rupture in an unused pipeline that was previously connected to a larger 10-inch diameter pipe. This main line supplies water to industrial zones in Naucalpan and El Conde, drawing from wells in San Esteban and San Andrés Atoto, as well as the Los Remedios reservoir. To locate the exact point of the leak, Oapas personnel are using ground-penetrating radar technology. Once the location is pinpointed, repairs will begin immediately. However, the process of restoring the road surface will take additional time. The affected section of the avenue has two lanes closed, causing disruptions to vehicle movement. Oapas officials anticipate completing the repair work by Tuesday and beginning the filling of the excavation site. Until then, traffic conditions along the avenue will remain altered. The agency emphasized that the excavation was necessary to address the leaking infrastructure and prevent further damage. The 10-inch pipe serves critical areas in Naucalpan’s industrial sector, ensuring a steady water supply for businesses and operations. The discovery of the faulty connection highlights ongoing maintenance challenges within the city's aging water distribution system. Officials noted that while the immediate action is underway, long-term solutions will require more extensive planning and investment. Local authorities have advised drivers to exercise caution near the affected area and consider alternative routes during the disruption. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident, and emergency services were not called upon beyond initial response efforts. The situation underscores the importance of regular infrastructure inspections and timely interventions to avoid similar incidents in the future. Work crews continue their efforts to restore normalcy to the area, with plans to finalize repairs and reopen the road fully once all procedures are completed. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between urban development and the need for robust infrastructure management.