Sinkhole causes traffic issues in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU/BCN) -- A sinkhole was discovered early Thursday morning in San Francisco's Noe Valley neighborhood after an 18-inch sewer main failed. 

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) officials said sewer repairs are expected to be complete later in the evening. 

The sinkhole in the area of 24th and Church Streets blocked the J Church rail line in both directions.

Muni used bus shuttles to transport riders, but shortly after noon, SF Municipal Transportation Agency tweeted that the line was experiencing rolling delays. The bus bridge remains in place.

Traffic remains closed in both directions on Church between Jersey and 24th Street, but according to SFPUC, the street is expected to be reopened before midnight.

SFPUC spokesman Tyrone Jue said the sinkhole occurred sometime early this morning on Church Street between 24th and Jersey streets. Railway officials said that the line was blocked as early as 5:45 a.m.

The cause of the sewer failure has not been determined, but SFPUC says other sewer lines in the area have been inspected and cleared.