WASHINGTON – One southbound right lane of Connecticut Avenue has reopened after a water main break closed the southbound lanes for much of Tuesday morning.
A 12-inch pipe burst on Connecticut Avenue between M and N streets in Northwest after midnight. The break caused both directions of Connecticut Avenue to close to traffic near Dupont Circle. By 5 a.m., the northbound lanes reopened.
One southbound lane between 18th Street, N and M streets reopened just before 10:30 a.m.
Authorities say it is unclear when water will be restored to the area.
Chief of External Affairs for DC Water John Lisle says as a result of the water main break, four commercial properties are without water — two of which are commercial high-rise properties.
The initial time for repair was expected to be completed in eight to 10 hours, but it may take longer, Lisle says.
DC Water says repairs will take MINimum 5 hrs. #WTOP pic.twitter.com/NxmiQrn3qi
— Kristi King (@kingWTOP) December 17, 2013
12 inch water line burst sending water down Conn Ave #WTOP pic.twitter.com/9fqZFKnPym
— Kristi King (@kingWTOP) December 17, 2013
18th clsd between Conn and L. Conn SB btween N and M promises to be clsd thru rush #WTOP pic.twitter.com/5Z8UHg4FKT
— Kristi King (@kingWTOP) December 17, 2013
WTOP’s Kristi King took this video at the scene early Tuesday:
Below is a map with the location of the incident:
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WTOP’s Kristi King contributed to this report. Follow @kingWTOP and @WTOP on Twitter.