Update:
“As of 5:30 p.m. service has been restored to all homes, businesses, and apartments affected by the water main break and has been updated below. Work continues on road repairs.”
“DC Water is nearing the completion of repairs on a broken 8-inch water main on Martin Luther King Jr. Ave Southeast; however, motorists are advised to continue to steer clear of the road. It’s expected to remain closed between Howard Rd and Talbert Street through Tuesday and possibly longer.
Water service is expected to be restored to homes, businesses, and apartments affected by the water main break later this evening. Work will then begin to stabilize and reconstruct the compromised road. This is expected to require the entire road to remain closed, curb to curb, for repair and repaving.
Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes such as I-295 to avoid lengthy delays in the area. Those unable to avoid the area should maintain caution and adhere to the following detours:
Northbound Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
Right on Morris Rd → Left on Hunter Pl → Right/Left on Marion Barry Ave
Left on Howard Rd → Left on Firth Sterling Ave SE → Left onto Suitland Parkway → Access 295 or cross Douglas Bridge
Southbound Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
Right or Left on Barry Ave
Right on Barry Ave → Left on Anacostia Dr → East Oval Exit → South Capitol St → MLK Jr. Ave
Left on Barry Ave → Right on 16th St → Right on Morris Rd → Left on MLK Jr. Ave
DC Water is coordinating with the District Department of Transportation to minimize the impact on neighborhood residents, workers, and businesses. The break occurred on a section of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave which serves as a busy commuter route.
Motorists should expect this section of the road to remain closed through the night and morning rush hour. The road repair and repaving are expected to take at least 2-3 days. Every effort will be made to expedite the process and reopen lanes or parts of the roadway where it is safe to do so.”
From DC Water:
“DC Water crews are on scene of a water main break that occurred early this morning on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Southeast. Water from the main flooded the street and caused significant damage to the roadway, closing the street between Morris Road and Suitland Parkway.
At this time, repairs are estimated to take 8-10 hours pending further investigation or other complications. Several homes and businesses in the area are reported without water, including a 110-unit apartment building, as well as Thurgood Marshall High School.
The break has been isolated; however, repairs will require excavation of the road to get to the pipe. Once complete, work will begin to repave the road which could take another 2-3 days. It’s unclear at this time when the road will open to traffic; however, every effort will be made to partially reopen some lanes when feasible.
DC Water is working closely with DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), District Department of Transportation (DDOT), Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (MOCRS) and other agencies to assist customers and mitigate traffic in the area. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to stay clear of the area. Drivers should follow detour signage and the instruction of flaggers. To avoid traffic back-ups use I-295 as an alternative.”