Crews working to repair broken water main in west-central Topeka

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Crews were working Friday morning to repair a broken water main along a busy street just west of the Washburn University campus in west-central Topeka.

The break was reported at 4:50 a.m. Friday at the northwest corner of S.W. 17th and Wayne.

A short time after the break was reported, around 5:10 a.m. Friday, WIBW observed water running east and north from the break. A large amount of water had already gathered on the north side of S.W. 17th and Wayne.

A city public works foreman was on the scene by 5:40 a.m., city officials said.

Repair crews were on the scene as of 7:30 a.m. Friday and were cleared to dig shortly before 9 a.m.

City officials said residents in the area would be without water starting around 9 a.m. as repairs were being made.

Water service was to remain off until repairs have been completed, city officials said.

The initial estimate is that this is a standard repair that may take three to four hours before water is turned back on, city officials said.

Meanwhile, temporary traffic controls were in place while crews worked to repair the water main break.

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