Video: Water Main Break Closes Major Road in Downtown Chattanooga Friday

Chattanooga, Tenn.

Friday, August 16th, 2024 — A major water main break disrupted traffic in downtown Chattanooga on Friday, causing significant inconveniences for drivers and local businesses. The incident occurred at approximately 9 a.m. on Chestnut Street, between Riverfront Parkway and West Aquarium Way, a short distance from the IMAX theater.

Immediate Impact

The water main break led the City of Chattanooga and utility crews to scramble to contain the water and assess the extent of the damage. According to City spokesperson Justin Strickland, the Tennessee American Water company faced challenges in completely shutting off the water, delaying the assessment and repair process.

Repair Efforts and Updates

As of late Friday afternoon, updates from the Chattanooga Department of Transportation (CDOT) indicated that repairs to the water main line were expected to be completed by 4:45 PM, with water service restored to the affected areas. However, traffic conditions were to remain impacted while crews worked on surfacing repairs.

A single northbound lane between Riverfront Parkway and West Aquarium Way is set to reopen at 5:00 PM today, while southbound Chestnut Street will stay closed through Friday, August 30th, pending the arrival of materials to fully repair the roadway surface.

Keeping You Informed

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more details become available. For now, drivers in the area should plan alternate routes to avoid delays. Stay connected with us for the latest developments regarding this water main break and its impact on traffic and utilities in downtown Chattanooga.

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