(Updated at 3:45 p.m.) An intersection in Crystal City is closed as a result of a major water main break in the middle of the intersection.
The break was reported around 1:15 p.m. at the intersection of Crystal Drive, S. Potomac Avenue and 27th Street S.
Traffic camera footage showed water flowing from a gash in the asphalt and first responders setting up “caution” tape around the intersection, which is along a dedicated bus route.
A “significant” sinkhole was forming in the roadway as a result of the break and nearby parking garages were starting to flood, according to scanner traffic. Firefighters established an incident command at the scene due to structural concerns.
As of 2:15 p.m., public works crews were on the scene and the flow of water appears to have been stopped or significantly slowed, but not before water seepage reportedly caused a power surge and outage in the Crystal City area. Several buildings in the area are also reported to be without water service.
https://twitter.com/GrantKidwell/status/1115670737287897089
Water main break in Crystal City! Intersection closed, fire dept on the scene @ARLnowDOTcom pic.twitter.com/slifFPBfLi
— Wendi Wilkes (@WendiWilkes) April 9, 2019
ADVISORY ⚠️: @ArlingtonVaFD and ACPD on scene of a large water main break at the intersection of Crystal Drive / 27th St. S. Officers are providing traffic control from 23rd St. / Clark St. and Potomac Ave. / Jefferson Davis Hwy. Motorists are encouraged to seek alt routes.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) April 9, 2019
Emergency Water Main Repairs: Crews are investigating a break at Crystal Drive and Potomac Avenue in Crystal City. The area is also experiencing a power outage. Several hundred customers could be affected in the area, which is home to a number of businesses including hotels. pic.twitter.com/QV49WAr0zQ
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) April 9, 2019
Update 3:40pm: Crews working to isolate break on 12-inch pipe at the intersection of Crystal Dr and Potomac Av. Seek alternate routes for evening rush hour. #VaTraffic pic.twitter.com/LPxDF23VVU
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) April 9, 2019
