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© Cindy ChristensenSouth 26th St. between 6th and 7th Avenues has been blocked off due to a large sink hole spanning the width of the street. The sink measured 20 feet wide and 10 feet deep on Thursday and was caused by the high water table causing the sewer to collapse.
Officials say a large sinkhole in Council Bluffs started as a dip in the road and just kept growing.

South 26th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues is now barricaded because of a giant sinkhole in the street caused by high water tables, a city spokesman said.

Cost to repair the sinkhole, which had grown to 50 feet long by 50 feet wide by late Friday, is $216,000, said Don Gross.

When water levels get higher than normal, underground pipes become surrounded by water, he said. If there are cracks or openings in the pipe, the water and soil material flowing in it will eventually create a "cavity" in the pipe and eventually the street surface will collapse.

It's hoped the repairs can begin next week, Gross said. MFT Construction has received the bid, he added.