A large water main break in Brockton, Massachusetts, turned roads into rivers early Wednesday morning.
The Brockton Department of Public Works has been working nonstop to fix the break at intersection of Montello and Lawrence streets.
The Brockton Department of Public Works told NBC10 Boston that the system underground is nearly 100 years old and it gave way.
Crews were seen using excavator to remove all the asphalt that buckled when the water came gushing out from underground. They also pumped out some of that water, which is now running down Lawrence Street.
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The reports for the water main break came in just after 1 a.m., prompting Department of Public Works crews to shut the water off in order to stop it from further flooding the roads. Part of the concern is that some of that leakage could turn to ice and make the roads slick and dangerous to drive.
Water service was interrupted for about 300 customers living and working between Union Street all the way up to the intersection of Montello and Lawrence streets. In total, five blocks have been affected.
"It shouldn't have caused any damage to the homes. Most of the water, when it comes out of the ground, it goes through the storm water system. But the street, it's hard to say until we really get involved into the excavation portion. We'll get the pipe fixed and assess the area and the street after," said Patrick Hill, Department of Public Works commissioner.
At the moment, that impacted area is closed to traffic between Lawrence and Allen streets.
Hill hopes to have the water main repaired by 5 p.m. Wednesday, with water services restored shortly thereafter.
