The southbound lane of Wisconsin Avenue at East-West Highway in Bethesda, Maryland, was closed Tuesday after a water main break, and officials say it may be in effect for an “extended period of time.”
The Maryland Department of Transportation said that the break also closed two westbound turn lanes on the East-West Highway, though one lane reopened just after 5:30 a.m.
Luis Maya with WSSC Water said the utility company plans to continue working overnight to fix the break.
WSSC Water told WTOP the pipe that broke was installed in 1923 and was 8 inches in diameter.
“We really never know what exactly causes the break, but it’s older mains, and they tend to break unfortunately,” Maya told WTOP’s Terik King.
Initial water main repairs were completed around 3 p.m. Tuesday, but more work is expected to finish paving the road. Water has been restored to affected customers.
“We’re aiming to be done by the (Wednesday) morning rush, but it’s possible that it does extend into the later in the morning, but the plan is to be done no later than tomorrow,” Maya said.
Drivers should seek alternative routes around the closures and allow added time for traveling. Updates on the repairs can be monitored at MDOT’s CHART website.
The affected roads will be closed through Tuesday night with the plan to reopen by Wednesday morning.
A map of the closure area is below:
WTOP’s Ciara Wells contributed to this report. WTOP’s Terik King reported from the scene.
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
