District of Saanich crews are working on a watermain break on the 3300 block of Douglas Street near Saanich Road.
The 300mm, cast iron watermain broke at about 5:30 a.m. Thursday, with travel restricted to one lane in the northbound direction. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes and avoid this area if possible.
The break has been isolated and crews are onsite to correct the necessary repairs. The road is expected to be open in time for the Friday afternoon rush hour commute but drivers should expect delays, said Saanich director of engineering, Harley Machielse.
“We’re determining the true cause, a preliminary analysis, and looks like a failure in the pipe, it’s cracked, supposed to last closer to 100 years, so this has failed early,” he said.
It is an older segment of piping but is not yet on the list for repairs, Machielse added.
“It is a drinking water supply pipe and we’ve had reports of [mucky water] and disclouration from locals. If that happens, let the cold water run to flush it through, and it should subside (by Friday).”
