A broken water main overnight collapsed a part of Smallman Street in the Strip, causing a major sink hole.

Crews have shut off the 8-inch service line while the damage is assessed and alternatives are considered.

The line broke at the intersection of Smallman and Gilda Radner Way between 28th and 29th Streets on Smallman.

The street collapse cause a wooden utility pole to drop about six feet into the hole.

Traffic is being detoured around the work site, and four businesses, including Gilda's Club, are without water service, a spokeswoman for the authority said.

Work crews from Duquesne Light Co. are at the scene working to stablize the sinking utility pole and the live wires attached to it.

Water line repairs cannot safely begin until the power lines are secure.

Power company spokesman Joseph Vallarian said no electric service has been disrupted, and crews will attempt to replace the pole without shutting off power.

The broken 8-inch line is fed by a 42-inch transmission line that pumps into several service lines.

N=Bottled water has been provided for the four businesses without service, the authority spokeswoman said.

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