A large water main broke early this morning at Fourth and Howard streets, right next to the Moscone Center. ABC7 reports reports that the age of the pipe, which was built in 1895, was likely a factor in the breakage. There will be ongoing closures on Howard between Third and Fourth streets as repairs are underway.
#Traffic alert: 4th street closed from Mission to Folsom in #SanFrancisco. Water main repairs at 4th & Howard. #abc7now pic.twitter.com/4QHekqW1q4
— ElissaABC7 (@ElissaABC7) December 9, 2016
Water was gushing from the pipe for at least an hour before crews were able to slow down the pressure, and flooded an underground parking structure and control room. The Central Subway construction site was also impacted, with about a foot of water that crews will have to pump out.
The area has been closed off to the public, due to the possibility of a sinkhole. Crews are working to ameliorate any additional property damage.
12 inch water main break shuts down Howard Street btwn 3rd and 4th Streets. Avoid area if possible. @kron4news pic.twitter.com/8fNJc1Re0x— Philippe Djegal (@pdjegal) December 9, 2016
According to an SFPD spokesperson, Howard between Third and Fourth is still closed to traffic, with one lane open for right turns onto Howard street from Fourth Street. There's no word on when the streets will reopen, and the SF Public Utilities Commission had no further updates on the status of the water main.
