According to current findings, the damage was caused by a defective manhole connection pipe. This was revealed by the analysis of sewer footage captured by the so-called “Meenzer Darknet Inspector,” a specialized vehicle operated by Wirtschaftsbetrieb Mainz for inspecting the city’s sewer network.

Initially, the cause remained unclear despite intensive excavation work over two days. It was only after further sewer inspections that the damage could be clearly located late yesterday afternoon. Immediately thereafter, a specialized company was commissioned to carry out the repairs; the company mobilized resources at short notice and coordinated the work early this morning.

The repair work includes replacing the damaged connection pipe, installing a new catch basin, and restoring the subgrade and pavement. Due to the site conditions—including nearby railroad tracks—this requires a multi-step process.

However, the construction management team is confident: if everything proceeds as planned and no further damage occurs, Gaustraße is expected to be reopened to traffic at the beginning of the week after next (Calendar Week 14) and thus before Easter.

Background:
Manhole connection pipes link street drains (gullies) to the sewer system. Damage to these pipes, such as from aging or leaks, can lead to erosion in the subgrade and, in the worst case, cause road collapses.