Water Is Back, But Road Still Closed After Main Break In Back Bay

BACK BAY, MA — After a water main exploded last night, sending a torrent of water down the street all the way to Newbury and prompting an evacuation, all that's left is a crater in the ground and closed roads at the corner of Exeter Street and Commonwealth Avenue.

Water was back to those who had lost it by 1 p.m., according to officials but the road won't be reopened today.

The water main break was reported just after 9:30 p.m. Monday. Then, after a few hours of the roadway looking more like a stream, at least six buildings were evacuated in the area. When the water cleared, large holes and cracks were visible in the asphalt.

By 11 p.m. crews had managed to turn off the water and dig into the ground to take care of the broken pipe. As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, the road was dug up exposing several pipes, including the water main pipe with several cracks and opened up as crews continued to work.

"It's been a long night," said one city worker.

Boston Water and Sewer officials said buildings on Commonwealth Ave between Dartmouth and Exeter on the inbound side have been without water since last night. Officials said Tuesday morning, they hoped to have it back on by 5 p.m. But by 1 p.m. the water was running again.

"Water and sewer operations pros working hard, widening hole to make repairs to 16 inch main running down Exeter St at Comm outbound. Crew making more room to work as gas main set just above the spot where the main is broken," said city officials on Twitter early Monday morning.

Just about 12 hours after crews started digging, photos showed images of the old pipe being hauled away.

It's unclear when the roads will be back to normal, but officials said not to expect that to happen today. In the meantime, police have blocked off the entire intersection, which is normally a bustling thoroughfare during the morning commute.

Avoid the area if you can.