Water Main Break Causes Issues Along Route 51 In Overbrook
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Route 51 was reduced to one lane in each direction in the city's Overbrook section Wednesday morning because of a water main break.
Water started rushing down Route 51 near Melwood Avenue around 3 a.m.
For the thousands of commuters who use Route 51 daily, the water main break was a mess.
The break not only caused gallons of water to gush out, but also impacted a nearby fire hydrant and knocked it off its base.
Pennsylvania American Water crews were able to get the water shut off around 6 a.m., but the impact to traffic was already apparent.
There were backups on both sides of the road for the majority of rush hour. Pittsburgh Police shut both sides of the road down to one lane, which left many commuters frustrated.
"Absolutely, I have to be at work at 8 o'clock in the North Hills so this is crazy right now," one woman said.
Crews had to completely shut Route 51 down at least four times to tow cars that were in the way where the break happened.
Repairs to the line began immediately, but there is no estimated time for completion.
Meanwhile, less than a dozen customers had water service impacted in the area.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
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