Updated story, Sept. 3, 6 p.m.:
City of Nelson crews are nearing completion of repairs to a water main break on Silica Street, with water service expected to be restored to all affected residents Thursday evening.
The city said its water utilities team was completing the repair as of 6 p.m. The site is expected to be backfilled Friday morning, followed by further assessment and repairs to the roadway.
The 500 and 600 blocks of Silica Street remain closed because of the risk of sinkholes. Repair work will continue Thursday evening and resume early Friday morning, with the road reopening once it is considered safe.
The city said crews have been assessing the affected roadways and making repairs throughout the day.
According to the city, water from the break travelled beneath the asphalt and compromised the stability of the road base. Additional sections of roadway have been affected as the ground has settled, creating safety concerns.
Residents are being asked to follow all road closure and barricade signs and avoid the affected area.
The city said another update is expected Friday.
Updated story, Sept. 3, 2:30 p.m.:
About 20 homes are now without water following a watermain break in Nelson.
The city said in a 2 p.m. update that crews remain on site repairing the break in the 600 and 700 blocks of Silica and Hall streets.
It said the cause of the break remains undetermined.
The 600 and 700 blocks of Silica and Hall streets remain closed, while Josephine Street to Baker Street is also closed for debris removal.
The break initially left about four homes without water. That number has since increased to about 20, with water service affected in the 600 block of Silica Street and Hall Street, as well as the 600 and 700 blocks of Carbonate Street and Josephine Street.
The break was reported around 1 a.m. Thursday, with Nelson Fire Rescue and Public Works crews responding to a report of water coming from the roadway.
While responding, a fire engine encountered an unforeseen sinkhole underneath the road. The city said the weight of the truck caused the asphalt to give way.
The engine sustained minimal damage and remains fully operational.
Residents in the affected area are asked to respect road closures while crews work to restore service.
Original story, Sept. 3, 10:15 a.m.:
A significant watermain break has closed several blocks of road in Nelson.
The city said utility personnel and Nelson Fire Rescue crews responded to the break at Silica and Hall streets early Thursday morning.
Four homes are currently without water and residents have been notified.
The 600 and 700 blocks of Silica Street and Hall Street are closed while repairs are underway.
Drivers and pedestrians are also asked to avoid Joesphine and Baker streets as well because of debris cleanup.
The city said another update will be provided when more information is available.
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