Pipe Break Floods Congress Street In Downtown Boston

BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- A broken water pipe sent water gushing through downtown Boston Monday morning, causing a mess and leading to problems for those trying to get around.

The break happened around 2 a.m., sending water flowing down Congress Street toward the back of City Hall and in front of Faneuil Hall.

Congress Street remained closed between New Sudbury Street to State Street Monday afternoon.

The area was expected to be shut down until at least 6 p.m., possibly longer.

Crews brought out shovels and machinery to try to clear some of the snow away from storm drains, which had a tough time handling all of the water flowing down the street from the pipe.

By daybreak, water had been shut off--but the pipe still needed to be repaired, and there was a mess of rocks and debris to clean up.

View WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker's photos from the scene:

The leftover water from the break spread into surrounding areas and froze, making for a slick walk. Workers spread salt along North Street to try to make things easier for pedestrians.

Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans is asking people to stay away from the busy area if possible.

"We have had a few people take some falls down there because everything's freezing," he told WBZ NewsRadio 1030. "If you can avoid the area, we appreciate it."

Boston Water said the break wasn't a main, but a lateral hydrant pipe--and advised commuters going through the area to expect delays.

For drivers, it means a detour. For those on foot, like George, it means a tough time getting through the area.

"Trying to make deliveries," he told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker. "It stinks, it's bad."

One woman said she almost fell trying to navigate the street.

"There was black ice all through the street," she said. "We live in New England. We choose to live here, we gotta deal with it, right?"

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker reports


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