Sewer collapse in Ephrata closes Division Street

MOSES LAKE — A section of Division Street in Ephrata will remain closed following the partial collapse of a sewer line on Friday.

“We’re still working on Division Street,” said Ephrata City Administrator Wes Crago. “We are operating under an emergency, mobilizing a contractor, and they should start excavating tomorrow.”

Division Street from B Street Northeast to D Street Northeast is closed following the collapse of a portion of sewer line. Crago said the city has a bypass in place and is monitoring the situation around the clock so that service to about 700 homes remains largely unaffected.

Crago said the city is current reviewing bids for the emergency work, but noted the current low bid is $48,000.

“The city is going to keep expenses low by providing material from city supplies,” Crago said.

Crago said he expects it will likely be Friday before the road can be reopened.

In Moses Lake, construction has begun the intersection of SR 17 — the Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway — and Nelson Road and is expected to slow traffic some this week but not cause any major delays or inconveniences.

Workers are adding a left-turn lane to Nelson Road, and are expected to be finished with the work sometime in late April.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached via email at countygvt@columbiabasinherald.com