[Updated, 9:30 p.m.] A water main break right in the middle of Bishops Corner has resulted in the closure of several lanes, and the work is expected to continue overnight, officials said.

By Ronni Newton

Update, 9:30 p.m.

Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) spokesperson Kerry Martin provided an update on the status of the water main issue at the intersection of Albany Avenue and North Main Street in Bishops Corner.

According to Martin, the leak occurred in a main gate valve near the intersection.

The water main was to be shut down at approximately 9 p.m., Martin said. “Due to the location of the leak no businesses or homes will be affected by the shutdown,” she said in an email.

The repairs should take between four and six hours, and should be completed between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., Martin said.

Update, 5 p.m.

Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) spokesperson Kerry Martin said that crews had confirmed a water main break at the intersection of Albany Avenue and North Main Street.

“Staff is currently canvassing the area businesses to inform them of the impending water main shutdown,” she said in an email just before 4:45 p.m. “Once shut down, repairs are expected to take from 4-6 hours.”

Martin said that all roads are passable, but the eastbound right turn lane from Albany Avenue leading to North Main Street will be closed during the repair.

Original story

The busy Bishops Corner intersection of Albany Avenue and North Main Street turned into a muddy, icy lake Wednesday afternoon when an apparent water main break sent water bubbling into the roadway.

“It’s a very typical water main break but in a very sensitive location in terms of impact on the evening rush,” Director of Public Works John Phillips said.

Public Works, along with officials from the West Hartford Police Department and West Hartford Fire Department have closed parts of the roadway “because of puddling and potential icing,” Phillips said. He was not on the scene but said he had been told that the water flow was fairly strong.

According to an official with the West Hartford Fire Department, the northbound (North Main) and westbound (Albany Avenue) lanes are open to traffic.

West Hartford Police said that only one lane is open southbound on North Main Street and only one lane is open eastbound on Albany Avenue.

“It’s a decent-sized break, and they are definitely going to be working on it for a while,” West Hartford Police Lt. Michael Perruccio said. He said motorists should do their best to avoid the area.

Repair work is expected to last overnight, according to police.

MDC spokesperson Kerry Martin did not have details but confirmed just before 3 p.m. that “crews are investigating a possible water main break at Albany Avenue and North Main Street” and said further information would follow.

Check back with We-Ha.com for further updates.

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A water main break at the intersection of Albany Avenue and North Main Street in Bishops Corner has caused Significant ponding and icing and resulted in traffic detours expected to last overnight. Courtesy photo

A water main break at the intersection of Albany Avenue and North Main Street in Bishops Corner has caused Significant ponding and icing and resulted in traffic detours expected to last overnight. Courtesy photo

A water main break at the intersection of Albany Avenue and North Main Street in Bishops Corner has caused Significant ponding and icing and resulted in traffic detours expected to last overnight. Courtesy photo