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Crews restored service after water main break snarled Seattle commute

Water main break causes traffic backups on SR 99 in Seattle

Seattle Public Utilities said crews restored water service and reopened traffic lanes Tuesday after a water main break disrupted the morning commute along East Marginal Way.

A 12-inch water main break in Seattle’s industrial area near East Marginal Way South and Diagonal Avenue South caused lane closures and traffic congestion during the Tuesday morning rush.

According to Seattle Public Utilities, crews learned of the break around 5:20 a.m. and were dispatched shortly afterward.

Water service was shut off later in the morning to about eight nearby customers while repairs were made.

The cause of the break has not been determined.

The traffic impacts grew through the morning.

Seattle Department of Transportation first reported the issue shortly after 7 a.m., saying three northbound lanes of East Marginal Way South at Diagonal Avenue South were blocked.

By about 9:30 a.m., Seattle Police Department said all northbound lanes were closed between Hudson Street and Diagonal Avenue South, and South Alaska Street was also shut down.

SPU said water service was restored around 11:15 a.m.

As of noon, crews finished repairs, including adding new crushed rock to the damaged roadway.

All repair work was completed by about 2 p.m.

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