Major Hoboken Water Main Break Floods Southwestern Corner of Town

Posted on August 20, 2018 in hNOW, News

LAST UPDATED—9:30 a.m., August 21

No, it’s not raining… but that doesn’t stop the streets of Hoboken from flooding during an evening rush hour.

A “major” water main break on Observer Highway & Jefferson Street has a good chunk of SW Hoboken under water and closed to traffic, while nearby residents are currently without water. Repairs are underway, but speculation on the extent and schedule of those repairs has officials anxious.

Currently, Observer Highway—a key artery along the southern edge of Hoboken—is closed between Adams and Madison Streets.

Mayor Ravi Bhalla and Hoboken Police Officers on the scene of a major water main break – City of Hoboken Photo

SUEZ Water has been conducting an underground water installation project in this area over a number of weeks, with seemingly no timeline for completion. The traffic had been severe on weekends, requiring NJ State Police support. Residents are now facing similar issues right in the heart of the evening rush.

According to SUEZ Water:

“SUEZ is onsite responding to a 12-inch water main break affecting 50 families in one building on Newark St at Jefferson St. We are mobilizing crews to the scene to begin repairs.

SUEZ appreciates the patience of the City residents as we respond to the scene and make these critical repairs. More information will be provided as it becomes available.”

The Mayor has reported that some residents may see water return within 6-8 hours:

Just wrote this note at 70 Adams Street – according @suez , no water service at this building for 6-8 hours due to water main break. We have cases of water in the lobby. Thank you for your patience while repairs are made. pic.twitter.com/2gTvtd7htJ

— Ravinder S. Bhalla (@RaviBhalla) August 20, 2018

9:30 a.m. August 21:
The City now says repairs will last until approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. Seemingly SUEZ had to dig other holes to get around three other water mains in the effort to reach and repair the ruptured main.

.@SUEZwaterNJ estimates the water main repair will take until 3 pm today, but we are continuing to monitor the progress and will provide updates as they come in.

— City of Hoboken (@CityofHoboken) August 21, 2018

9:35 a.m. August 21:
Repairs will continue indefinitely—residents will see water around 3 p.m.

CORRECTION: @SUEZwaterNJ estimates water service will return to 70 Adams by 3 pm with work continuing past that time. In the meantime, bottled water is being provided for residents. We will continue to monitor the progress and provide updates as they become available.

— City of Hoboken (@CityofHoboken) August 21, 2018

CLICK HERE for an update.

City of Hoboken photo

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