Water Main Fixed After Traffic Jam On Route 355

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Water service has been restored to customers in Gaithersburg following a water main break that closed down a busy commuter artery early on Monday morning, according to the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC). Water shot about 100 feet in the air from a broken valve in the underground water pipe, radio station WTOP reported.

The break in the pipe led to the closure of the southbound lanes of Maryland Route 355 (Frederick Road) at 3:55 a.m. Monday, WTOP said.

It occurred near the road's intersection with Game Reserve Road, and early morning traffic on southbound Route 355 was diverted at Gunners Branch Road, according to Pete Piriniger, a spokesman for the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service.

Northbound Route 355 at Game Preserve Road was also temporarily blocked, but reopened at about 5:30 a.m., WTOP reported.

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One southbound lane of Route 355 was reopened at about 10 a.m., according to WSSC, and repairs to the broken valve were completed at about noon. Repairs to the remainder of the road began Monday afternoon.

Top image: A water main break closed down part of Route 355 early Monday morning (MCFRS).