South-bound lanes on Bowen Road, from the intersection at Meredith Road to the Dufferin Crescent intersection, are closed to traffic after a water main burst Friday night, says the City of Nanaimo.
The city issued an advisory about the broken pipe at about 8 p.m. Friday and in an update Saturday, said damage to the road, sidewalk and centre median is extensive, and will require significant repairs. A local contractor has been brought in to address the damage, the city said.
“Bowen Road will be closed to south-bound through traffic at Meredith,” the city said in a press release. “Local traffic, or people wishing to get to a businesses on Bowen will still be able to do so, but will not be able to travel south between James Way and Dufferin Crescent.
“North-bound traffic should not be affected. Meredith provides a connection to Boxwood Road, to the west, and Boundary Avenue, to the east, which will allow for a detour around the site.”
Transit is being re-routed, the city also said.
Initially, the city advised there would be low pressure, or no water, for several central Nanaimo area neighbourhoods, and in the update, said there are still a few areas without water. Crews are working to restore this as quickly as possible and it is anticipated restoration will be completed shortly.
“You may find sediment in your fixtures – this is normal, and the water continues to be safe to drink. Simply flush from a cold water tap or hose bib until clear. You may need to clean your faucet screens, too,” the city said.
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