Major Waltham Water Main Break Causes Road Closures
WALTHAM (CBS) -- A major water main break at the intersection of River and Seyon Streets forced Waltham police to shut down several roads.
By early Tuesday afternoon, crews had shut off the water, though the pavement at the intersection remained cracked and split, with pieces jutting out of the road.
River St. all busted up where a water main broke in Waltham. Road will be closed for a long time. #wbz pic.twitter.com/OuqfkX6Cpe
— Christina Hager (@HagerWBZ) January 26, 2016
The Massachusetts Water Resource Authority said the leak had been isolated around 12:30, and that service to customers was not affected.
A National Grid crew was on scene due to the possibility of a gas leak, though Waltham's Fire Chief said the odor of gas in the air was likely caused by some gas leaking from joints when the water pipe broke.
The City of Waltham said that Pleasant and North Streets were blocked, and asked the public to avoid the area.
ALERT: Major water break area of 36 River St. Pleasant & North St completely blocked. Avoid area & seek alt routes pic.twitter.com/2RUIRgPbKP
— City Of Waltham (@CityofWaltham) January 26, 2016
The City of Newton also Tweeted that North Street would remain closed for four-to-six hours.
For approx. 4-6 hours North St. (heading into Waltham) will be closed due to activity in Waltham. Residents of Newton will be allowed in.
— Newton Police Dept. (@newtonpolice) January 26, 2016
Watertown Police said that the intersection of Pleasant Street and Bridge Street was closed due to the Waltham water main break.
Water main break in Waltham. It's on River Street. pic.twitter.com/dHxKCfGaYd
— Carl Stevens (@carlwbz) January 26, 2016
Many businesses in the area were still open, as people were still able to get to them by going around the intersection and through parking lots.
The intersection is expected to reopen by 8p.m.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports