Dramatic Footage Shows Arlington Water Main Break

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County has released footage of the massive water main break that caused a boil water advisory for much of the county and parts of D.C. for several days last week (video embedded below).

The footage shows a huge fountain of water bursting through Glebe Road in the Chain Bridge area.

Crews worked quickly to restore pressure to the water system within hours with a bypass of the 36-inch crack, Arlington County stated. Crews continued to work Wednesday night into Thursday morning to "allow renewed use of the main and then long-term resurfacing of Glebe Road."

Dramatic early footage from Friday's break. Fast-acting crews were able to restore pressure to the water system within a few hours through a bypass. Repairs starting tonight will allow renewed use of the main and then long-term resurfacing of Glebe Road. #VaTraffic pic.twitter.com/g0NY8s7iCL
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) November 13, 2019

"Throughout the work, northbound traffic on Route 123 will only be able to turn left onto Chain Bridge. Traffic crossing Chain Bridge from the District will have to turn right onto Route 123," the statement reads. "This week’s work is required to repair the 36-inch transmission main segment, which was installed in 1944."

The repairs are not expected to affect anyone's water service.

"Permanent roadway infrastructure repairs including guard rail replacement and drainage improvements will be conducted in the coming weeks. These repairs will be scheduled to minimize traffic impacts," the statement adds. "Glebe Road is a state route but Arlington County’s Department of Environmental Services has taken the lead in repairs in partnership with the Virginia Department of Transportation."

Arlington County issued the alert early last Friday morning following a water transmission main break at Glebe Road and Chain Bridge. The break, which measured 36 inches, closed chain bridge, according to WTOP.

Photos from the scene (embedded below) show a totally destroyed section of the roadway where the rupture happened.

The closure of Chain Bridge resulted in traffic problems as well during rush hour Friday. Drivers were unable to take outbound Canal Road or inbound Clara Barton Parkway, and traffic on Route 123 was being turned around by police, according to the report. Traffic on Glebe Road was also being turned around, and D.C. police blocked Chain Bridge on their end.

Some photos from the scene. Although pressure has been restored, Water Boil Advisory remains in effect until canceled. All @APSVirginia facilities are closed today. All out of an abundance of caution. pic.twitter.com/UhOFS8DRx7
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) November 8, 2019

All schools and offices are closed today, Fri, Nov. 8 due to a large water main break on N. Glebe Rd. Because of the water main break, water pressure is significantly impacted throughout the county. See School Talk Message or Website for details.
— Arlington Public Schools (@APSVirginia) November 8, 2019