PHOENIX — An already crowded intersection right next to the Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix is expected to be filled with days of traffic delays.
An 18-inch break in a waterpipe 14 feet below 24th Street and Camelback Road happened on Saturday and repairs started Monday at 6 a.m.
“They’re likely to be in place until Thursday at this point," Mike Gertzman of Phoenix Water Services Deptartment said. "During the rush hours people are likely to experience significant delays due to these traffic restrictions. So definitely try to avoid the area.”
All roads are still open. However, the 24th Street northbound right lane is closed, the 24th Street southbound double left lanes have been reduced to one lane, and Camelback Road eastbound has a double right lane closure.
“Be very alert, be cautious, go slow. If you can avoid the intersection that would be ideal," Gertzman added.
Gertzman says it’s hard to pinpoint just how the leak started 14-feet below the street’s surface. Luckily, it's not a severe leak.
“The infrastructure in Phoenix is getting older. The ground shifts and pipes wear out.” Gertzman said. “Sometimes they break and burst, and you’ll see a lot of water in the street. We’re not seeing that here which is good. That means they caught it early.”
There might be extra traffic, however Phoenix Water Services said it shouldn't affect any businesses in the area.
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