(Updated at 3:45 p.m.) An intersection in Crystal City is closed as a result of a major water main break in the middle of the intersection.
The break was reported around 1:15 p.m. at the intersection of Crystal Drive, S. Potomac Avenue and 27th Street S.
Traffic camera footage showed water flowing from a gash in the asphalt and first responders setting up “caution” tape around the intersection, which is along a dedicated bus route.
A “significant” sinkhole was forming in the roadway as a result of the break and nearby parking garages were starting to flood, according to scanner traffic. Firefighters established an incident command at the scene due to structural concerns.
As of 2:15 p.m., public works crews were on the scene and the flow of water appears to have been stopped or significantly slowed, but not before water seepage reportedly caused a power surge and outage in the Crystal City area. Several buildings in the area are also reported to be without water service.
Water main next to the courtyard Marriott hotel on crystal drive in Crystal city. @ARLnowDOTcom pic.twitter.com/wHMrhgPiNn
— Grant Kidwell (@GrantKidwell) April 9, 2019
Water main break in Crystal City! Intersection closed, fire dept on the scene @ARLnowDOTcom pic.twitter.com/slifFPBfLi
— Wendi Wilkes (@WendiWilkes) April 9, 2019
ADVISORY ⚠️: @ArlingtonVaFD and ACPD on scene of a large water main break at the intersection of Crystal Drive / 27th St. S. Officers are providing traffic control from 23rd St. / Clark St. and Potomac Ave. / Jefferson Davis Hwy. Motorists are encouraged to seek alt routes.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) April 9, 2019
Emergency Water Main Repairs: Crews are investigating a break at Crystal Drive and Potomac Avenue in Crystal City. The area is also experiencing a power outage. Several hundred customers could be affected in the area, which is home to a number of businesses including hotels. pic.twitter.com/QV49WAr0zQ
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) April 9, 2019
Update 3:40pm: Crews working to isolate break on 12-inch pipe at the intersection of Crystal Dr and Potomac Av. Seek alternate routes for evening rush hour. #VaTraffic pic.twitter.com/LPxDF23VVU
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) April 9, 2019