WASHINGTON — King Street in Alexandria has reopened after a 12-inch water main break on Park Center Drive.
The main burst around 6:30 a.m. Friday, disrupting the morning commute for drivers, DASH bus riders and students in four Alexandria City Public Schools.
The break, which is on Park Center Drive between King Street and Ford Avenue, closed King Street/Va. 7 in both directions. Because it’s proximity to Interstate 395, the ramp to northbound I-395 closed.
Eastbound traffic on King Street had to be detoured at Beauregard Street. Westbound traffic had to go north on I-395.
Alexandria police advised drivers to avoid the area.
Alexandria City Public Schools alerted parents that school bus transportation was affected.
“Due to a water main break this morning (1/16), the following roads are closed: King Street East from Beauregard to Rt. 395, Braddock to Beauregard, and Braddock to Hampton. School bus transportation will be disrupted along those routes for students who attend T.C. Williams, Hammond, Minnie Howard and John Adams. Parents should plan for alternate methods of transportation,” said a statement on the school system’s website.
THIS is the water main break in the middle of King Street. The road will not be open anytime soon, please be patient. pic.twitter.com/9dKnOxRhdv
— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) January 16, 2015
The area is used by commuters who not only access I-395, but also by people going to Northern Virginia Community College off Braddock Road and people headed toward Old Town on King Street.
Virginia American Water spokeswoman Samantha Zillegas says crews have turned off the water. Fifteen customers are affected.
Zillegas said the repairs were expected to take at least six to eight hours.
DASH buses AT6 and AT9 that travel along King Street were rerouted.
Park Center Drive closed King Street closed in Alexandria water main break. @WTOP pic.twitter.com/rAJC9MTbml
— Kathy Stewart (@KStewartWTOP) January 16, 2015
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