Subway service disrupted by Upper West Side water main break
NEW YORK - A water main break on the Upper West Side disrupted subway service on multiple lines Wednesday afternoon.
The break happened at 103rd Street and Central Park West at 1:50 p.m. and involved a 12-inch main. City officials responded within 25 minutes, DEP Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala said. The water was shut off by 2:45 p.m., impacting 250 residences in eight buildings.
"Water main breaks like this happen somewhat randomly," Aggarwala said. "We have done a really good job, I think, over the last couple of years of reducing them."
He said last year, the city had a record low number of breaks.
Subway service disrupted as New Yorkers head to balloon inflation
Meanwhile, water was being cleaned from subway tracks.
The MTA said service on the A, C, B and D lines was severely disrupted, which caused crowding on some trains as passengers tried to take alternate routes.
Some passengers on a B train had to switch cars, but that went smoothly, according to the MTA.
As of 8 p.m., the MTA's website said there were still suspensions on the B and C lines. Service on the A line was restored but being rerouted, with severe delays expected. D trains were also back up and running, but with delays as well.
The break and disruptions took place as large crowds were expected to flock to the Upper West Side for the balloon inflation.
"When I first got here, there were cops and everything blocking the traffic," commuter Alex Febles said. "I'm going to go home but obviously I can't do that now."
"I tried to down there, but they have it all yellow taped up," commuter Faranah McKoy said. "I would love to head home, because I am tired and I'm heading to Jersey. So my commute just started."