Downtown Silver Spring water main break forced some businesses to close Thursday night (VIdeo)

The WSSC responded to a water main break in downtown Silver Spring last evening. It was right by the Regal Cinemas Majestic 20 and Downtown Silver Spring. Some nearby businesses lost water service and had to close for the evening. All businesses are expected to reopen for normal hours today.

Water main break at Randolph Road and Charles Road

There is a water main break at the intersection of Randolph Road and Charles Road, between Rock Creek Park and Veirs Mill Road. WSSC is now on-scene, and are shutting down the left and center lanes of westbound Randolph Road. The utility says the break is in a 6" main that was installed in 1948.

Water main break at University Blvd. and Piney Branch Rd.

Another water main break on University Boulevard is causing traffic problems this morning. This one is at Piney Branch Road. Two eastbound lanes of University are closed. The WSSC says it is on scene, but that there is a lot of snow and ice to clear before they can locate the break in the pipe.

Water main break closes University Blvd. at New Hampshire Ave.

A water main break has closed a heavily-traveled intersection as the morning commute begins. University Boulevard (MD 193) is currently closed at New Hampshire Avenue (MD 650). WSSC crews are on-scene, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration.

Water main break floods Takoma Park businesses (Photos)

A break in a 12" water main under the 8700 block of Flower Avenue yesterday flooded several streets and businesses in Takoma Park. The WSSC said the main was 90 years old.

Water was restored about 5 hours later, the WSSC reported, and the pipe was replaced. Piney Branch Road was also flooded by the break, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer.

Photos by Pete Piringer, MCFRS

Wheaton water main break repaired, rush hour nightmare ahead as SB Georgia Avenue remains closed

The WSSC completed repair of the water main under Georgia Avenue around 1:00 AM this morning, but commuters will have a rough trip down Georgia anyway. Southbound Georgia Avenue will remain closed for the morning commute between Randolph Road and Arcola Avenue. The break occurred yesterday at Georgia and Weisman Road near Glenmont in Wheaton.

Southbound and northbound traffic will share the northbound lanes of Georgia along that stretch, meaning about 33% less capacity for southbound traffic. This will be a good example of what traffic would be like if Montgomery County were to implement its proposed Bus Rapid Transit plan, which would seize one lane from each side of Georgia for BRT lanes. Multiplied by all of the impacts north and south of this segment, of course.

The water main break flooded nearby homes, and cut water service to residents as well as to the Wheaton Park Shopping Center on Wednesday. A 68-year-old 16" underground main was responsible for the failure, according to the WSSC. The utility estimates that 2.5 million gallons of water were lost during the break yesterday.

Water was restored around 11:25 PM last night to customers affected by the break, according to WSSC.

The offending gash in the
68-year-old pipe under Georgia

Photos courtesy WSSC