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Crews work to repair a water main that caused a sinkhole along Route 111 in Smithtown. Photo courtesy of NYSDOT Long Island.
By Samantha Vogel, Editor
Long Island Daily News
SMITHTOWN, N.Y. — August 14, 2026
A large sinkhole caused by a water main break in Smithtown disrupted traffic and water service this week, forcing road closures and affecting nearby homes and businesses as emergency crews worked to repair the damage.
Suffolk County police received a report of the sinkhole on Maple Avenue shortly before noon Wednesday. The Suffolk County Water Authority said it had been alerted to the problem at approximately 10:30 a.m., with crews responding shortly afterward.
According to officials, 10 properties were affected by the water disruption, including a residential apartment building and commercial properties.
The incident forced the closure of portions of Maple Avenue and southbound Route 111, creating delays for motorists traveling through the busy Smithtown area.
The New York State Department of Transportation advised motorists that southbound Route 111 near Maple Avenue was closed because of the sinkhole. Southbound Maple Avenue was also closed at Broadway while crews worked at the scene.
Traffic on southbound Route 111 was detoured onto eastbound Cross Street, southbound Plaisted Avenue and westbound Route 347 before returning to Route 111. Southbound Maple Avenue traffic was directed onto eastbound Broadway.
Northbound Route 111 remained open, although motorists were warned to expect delays.
The Suffolk County Water Authority, New York State Department of Transportation and Town of Smithtown worked at the scene to repair the water main and address damage to the roadway.
The water main repair has since been completed, according to reports. Roadway cleanup and restoration work, however, was expected to continue beyond the initial water-main repairs.
Nearby businesses also felt the effects of the break as water accumulated around the area and road closures made access more difficult.
The incident serves as a reminder for drivers to use caution around active roadwork and to give highway and utility crews room to safely complete repairs.
Motorists traveling through Smithtown should remain alert for changing traffic patterns and possible delays as restoration work is completed.
Long Island Daily News will continue to follow developments and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
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