Water Main Break in East End

Jan 02, 2021

UPDATE 4/20/2021 - Riverside Drive is OPEN!
Crews have completed all repair, restoration, and road work on Riverside Drive in the vicinity of the watermain break. Utility work has been completed by GCWW, MSD, and Duke Energy. Road restoration work has also been completed, and the roadway opened on April 20, 2021.

Details of the completed project are listed below:
• Both breaks on the 60" main have been repaired.
• The sanitary sewer and utility hole chambers have been repaired.
• Backfilling of the two pits and removal of shoring have been completed.
• Installation of the 12" water main, including final tie-in and taps to impacted properties, has been completed.
• Duke has replaced the utility pole and re-energized the electric lines.
• Gas service lines to affected properties have been installed and on.
• Duke Energy has connected services to all affected properties.
• Spectrum has completed utility repairs and service connections to the properties.

ASSISTANCE TO RESIDENTS
GCWW has provided housing assistance to the residents directly impacted by the repair work of both watermain breaks until residents’ can transition back to their properties. A community liaison remains dedicated to keeping the residents informed and providing assistance.

TRAFFIC CLOSURES & DETOURS
Traffic closures and detours related to this work were removed and roadway access returned to normal on April 20, 2021.

BACKGROUND
A 60" and 12" water main break occurred at 2471 and 2458 Riverside Drive at Lumber Street and Bayou Street in the East End on Saturday, January 2, resulting in structure flooding and significant roadway damage. Replacement and repair work have been ongoing since the break.

In the early morning hours of February 20, 2021, another break occurred on the 60" main just east of the location of the January 2 break. The 60" main had recently been put back into service after repair of the initial break. This break was not as severe as the first break, although additional flooding and roadway and utility line damage did occur.

UPDATE 3/31/2021
Crews remain on site continuing repair and restoration work. Utility work has been completed by GCWW, MSD, and Duke Energy with road work restoration beginning the week of March 29. Details of GCWW's progress are listed below:

Currently complete:

• Both breaks on the 60" main have been repaired.

• The sanitary sewer and utility hole chambers have been repaired.

• Backfilling of the two pits and removal of shoring have been completed.

• Installation of the 12" water main, including final tie-in and taps to impacted properties, has been completed.

• Duke has replaced the utility pole and re-energized the electric lines on Riverside Drive.

• Gas service lines to affected properties have been installed and are ready for turn on.

• Installation of new water services for properties under construction within the new paving limits, which needs to be done prior to roadway restoration.

Week of 3/29/21

• Duke Energy to start connecting services to the properties.

• Spectrum to complete utility repairs and service connections to the properties.

Week of 4/5/21

• Continue final restoration of the roadway, curbs, and sidewalks.

Week of 4/12/21

• Complete final restoration of the road.

 

Week of 4/19/21

• It is anticipated that the road will be reopened to traffic by mid-week.

ASSISTANCE TO RESIDENTS
Greater Cincinnati Water Works has and will continue to offer and provide housing assistance to the residents directly impacted by the repair work of both water main breaks until residents can return to their properties. A community liaison remains dedicated to keeping the residents informed and providing assistance.

TRAFFIC CLOSURES & DETOURS
Traffic detours around the impacted area remain. Safety in the construction area is of primary concern, and traffic detours will stay in place until all repairs are completed. With ongoing construction and roadwork, access to the immediate vicinity will remain unavailable until work is completed.

Signage is still in place, alerting customers that businesses and restaurants remain open on Riverside Drive.

Local traffic is permitted on Riverside, west of Collins, and east of Lumber. Riverside Drive from Delta Avenue to Collins Avenue is closed to through traffic. No trucks will be able to pass between Bains and Delta. Collins has a railroad bridge preventing trucks over 10' from passing through. Cincinnati Police will maintain traffic detours, and updates will be provided via their Twitter Site (@CincyPD).

Updates will also be provided on the GCWW Twitter site (@CincinnatiWater) as more details become available regarding repairs, etc.
 

UPDATE 2/22/2021:
In the early morning hours of Saturday, February 20, 2021, another break occurred on the 60-inch main just east of the location of the January 2 break. The 60" main had recently been put back into service after repair of the initial break. Staff quickly responded to shut down the main. Crews remain on-site to evaluate and assess the necessary repairs. There are no service or customer outages as a result of this break. There has been additional damage to the road and overhead utility lines.

NEXT STEPS
Crews will continue to work to clear equipment and pump out water from the new break area to assess the damage and needed repairs. GCWW will continue to work with utility partners (MSD, Spectrum, Cincinnati Bell, etc.). After evaluation, an updated plan for completion and restoration of the area will be developed.

The City of Cincinnati and GCWW continue to support the residents impacted by the East End water main break. GCWW is reaching out to impacted customers to inform them of the new situation.
 
TRAFFIC CLOSURES & DETOURS -- see detour map, below
There are no new traffic impacts or detours as a result of this break. Safety in the construction area is of primary concern, and traffic detours will remain in place until all repairs are completed. With ongoing construction and roadwork, access to the immediate vicinity will remain unavailable until work is completed.

Signage is still in place, alerting customers that businesses and restaurants remain open on Riverside Drive. Local traffic is permitted on Riverside, west of Collins, and east of Lumber. Riverside Drive from Delta Ave. to Collins Ave is closed to through traffic. No trucks will be able to pass between Bains and Delta. Collins has a railroad bridge preventing trucks over 10' from passing through.

Cincinnati Police will maintain traffic detours, and updates will be provided via their Twitter Site (@CincyPD). Updates will also be provided on the GCWW Twitter site (@CincinnatiWater) as more details become available regarding repairs, etc.

Updates will be provided as they become available. Please see information below for previous alerts.

UPDATE 1/19/2021:

CUSTOMER AND SERVICE IMPACTS
The City of Cincinnati and GCWW continue to support the residents impacted by the East End water main break.

REPAIR/REPLACEMENT STATUS
Construction is progressing as expected on the repair of a portion of the 60" watermain, and a short length of the 12" watermain. Site preparation will be ongoing this week and heavy construction will resume once repair materials are received. Completion and final restoration of the area are expected to take two to three months, and are on schedule. GCWW continues to work with other utilities that may be impacted to facilitate construction.

TRAFFIC CLOSURES & DETOURS -- see detour map, below
Additional signage has been installed to alert customers that businesses and restaurants remain open on Riverside Drive. Local traffic is permitted on Riverside, west of Collins and east of Lumber.

Riverside Drive from Delta Ave. to Collins Ave is closed. No trucks will be able to pass between Bains and Delta. Collins has a railroad bridge preventing trucks over 10' from passing through. All other roads in the immediate area will be closed until further notice.  Cincinnati Police will maintain traffic detours, and updates will be provided via their Twitter Site (@CincyPD).

UPDATE 1/11/2021:

  • General clean up and stabilization of the work area continues.  The hole in the area of the break has been stabilized with controlled density fill and a new excavation will be made which will allow for repairs.
  • Signage has been installed to alert patrons that traffic is permitted to businesses that remain open east and west of the water main break.
  • GCWW continues to work to provide assistance to residents while repairs are ongoing.  

UPDATE 1/7/2021:

  • The damaged section of the 60" pipe has been located, which will allow crews to move ahead with the repair work.
  • General clean up and stabilization of the work area will continue, and construction traffic will be active in the area. See detour map, below.
  • Several restaurants and businesses remain open west of the water main break. Signage is being made to alert patrons that traffic is permitted to those businesses. These should be ready for installation within the next few days.

CUSTOMER AND SERVICE IMPACTS
The City of Cincinnati and GCWW have been working diligently to support the residents impacted by the East End water main break and will continue to provide assistance to residents while repairs are taking place.

REPAIR/REPLACEMENT STATUS
The impacted pipe area has been located, which will allow crews to move ahead with the repair work. A portion of the 60" water main will need to be replaced, as well as a short length of the 12" water main. General clean up and stabilization of the work area will continue, and construction traffic will be active in the area. Heavy construction on water main repair/replacement has begun and is expected to take two to three months for completion and final restoration. GCWW continues to work with other utilities that may be impacted to facilitate construction.

TRAFFIC CLOSURES & DETOURS -- see detour map, below
Riverside Drive from Delta Ave. to Collins Ave is closed. No trucks will be able to pass between Bains and Delta. Collins has a railroad bridge preventing trucks over 10' from passing through. 

Local traffic is permitted on Riverside, west of Collins and east of Lumber. All other roads in the immediate area will be closed until further notice.  Traffic detour routes have been finalized, and detour signage has been installed. Cincinnati Police will maintain traffic detours, and updates will be provided via the Cincinnati Police Twitter Site (@CincyPD).

Updates will be provided on the GCWW Twitter site (@CincinnatiWater) as more details become available regarding repairs, etc. 

UPDATE 1/6/2021:

  • Heavy construction on water main repair/replacement started today.
  • GCWW is working with Duke Energy and other utilities that may be impacted to facilitate construction.
  • Traffic detour routes have been finalized and signage installed. See detour map, below.
  • Several restaurants and businesses remain open west of the water main break. Signage will be added so patrons are aware businesses are still open in the area and traffic is permitted to those businesses.

CUSTOMER AND SERVICE IMPACTS
The City of Cincinnati and GCWW have been working diligently to support the residents impacted by the East End water main break. Several homes were flooded and are currently being assessed for the extent of damage. Affected residents have been relocated until major water main repair activities that may impact the properties are complete. GCWW will continue to provide assistance to residents while repairs are taking place.

REPAIR/REPLACEMENT STATUS
The break is on a critical water transmission line for the system and is located on a portion of the main that is very deep (about 12 feet). A portion of the 60” water main will need to be replaced, as well as a short length of the 12” water main. Heavy construction on water main final restoration. GCWW is working with Duke Energy and other utilities that may be impacted to facilitate construction.

TRAFFIC CLOSURES & DETOURS -- see detour map, below
Riverside Drive from Delta Ave. to Collins Ave is closed. No trucks will be able to pass between Bains and Delta. Collins has a railroad bridge preventing trucks over 10' from passing through. Local traffic is permitted on Riverside to Collins. Several restaurants and businesses remain open west of the water main break. All other roads in the immediate area will be closed until further notice. Traffic detour routes have been finalized and detour signage installed. Traffic detours will be maintained by Cincinnati Police and updates will be provided via the Cincinnati Police Twitter Site (@CincyPD).

Updates will be provided on the GCWW Twitter site (@CincinnatiWater) as more details become available regarding repairs, etc.

UPDATE 1/5/2021
CUSTOMER AND SERVICE IMPACTS
The City of Cincinnati and GCWW have been working diligently to support the residents impacted in the East End water main break.  Several homes were flooded and are currently being assessed for the extent of damage.  Affected residents have been relocated until major water main repair activities which may impact the properties are complete.   GCWW will continue to provide assistance to residents while repairs are taking place.

BOIL WATER ADVISORY
All Boil Water Advisories associated with this break are no longer in effect.  These include advisories issued for 758-766 Steiner Street, 3406-3648 Hillside Ave, and 2474 to 2346 Riverside Drive.

REPAIR/REPLACEMENT STATUS
The break is on a critical water transmission line for the system and is located on a portion of the main that is very deep (about 12 feet).  A portion of the 60” water main will need to be replaced, as well as a short length of the 12” water main.  Heavy construction on water main repair/replacement will begin tomorrow, January 6, and is expected to take 2 to 3 months for completion and final restoration.

The 60” water main was constructed in the early 1900’s (circa 1907), and is one of the largest pressurized transmission mains in the water system.  There has not been a previous history of breaks on this main, and the cause of this break has not yet been determined.

TRAFFIC CLOSURES & DETOURS -- see detour map, below
Roads will be closed in the immediate area until further notice.  Traffic detours will be maintained by Cincinnati Police and updates will be provided via the Cincinnati Police Twitter Site (@CincyPD).

Updates will be provided on the GCWW Twitter site (@CincinnatiWater) as more details become available regarding repairs, etc. Future updates will be posted by approximately 3 pm each day until further notice.

PM UPDATE 01/04/2021
All Boil Water Advisories associated with the main breaks on Riverside Drive are NO LONGER in effect.

BACKGROUND & WATER SERVICE
A 60” water main break at 2471 Riverside Drive at Lumber Street and Bayou Street (in the East End) occurred on Saturday, January 2. A 12” water main break also occurred at 2458 Riverside Drive on Saturday.

The break is on a critical water transmission line for the system and is located on a portion of the main that is very deep (about 12 feet). The repair will impact traffic for both inbound and outbound Riverside Drive. Coordination with DOTE has been conducted to minimize the impact on planned events in the area and adhering to the proposed construction schedule is critical to accomplish this. The 12” water main has been taken out of service and will be replaced as part of the larger repair project.

Water Service has not been impacted; however, the roadway has been significantly damaged and several surrounding structures were flooded. GCWW crews, Duke Energy, and Cincinnati MSD have been onsite to assess necessary repairs and some repairs have been completed. Crews worked over the weekend to clean-up the roadway so that water main damage could be further evaluated. A portion of the 60” main will need to be replaced, which is estimated to take two to three months to complete final repairs and restoration. GCWW continues to work with affected utility companies and City agencies to assess the site and develop plans moving forward.

BOIL WATER ADVISORY
**UPDATE: All Boil Water Advisories associated with the main breaks on Riverside Drive are NO LONGER in effect.

A Boil Water Advisory has been issued for 758-766 Steiner Street, 3406-3648 Hillside Ave, and 2474 to 2346 Riverside Drive through the evening of January 4, 2021. Customers will be contacted if the boil water advisory is extended.
More info available at http://BWA.myGCWW.org

CUSTOMER IMPACT
The City of Cincinnati is working directly with impacted residents to assess their individual needs. Residents who have been impacted should contact (513) 687.9553 for assistance. For other general inquiries, please contact 513-591-7700.

TRAFFIC CLOSURES & DETOURS -- see detour map, below
Roads will be closed in the immediate area until further notice. Traffic detours will be maintained by Cincinnati Police and updates will be provided via the Cincinnati Police Twitter Site (@CincyPD).

Updates will be provided on the GCWW Twitter site (@CincinnatiWater) as more details become available regarding repairs, etc.

AM UPDATE 01/04/2021
A 12" water main break has also occurred at 2458 RIVERSIDE DRIVE. 
A Boil Water Advisory is in effect until 2021-01-05 at 4:30 AM for 2474 to 2346 on RIVERSIDE DR (EAST END).

01/02/2021
Currently, there is a 60” water main break at 2471 RIVERSIDE DRIVE at LUMBER STREET and BAYOU STREET (in the East End). Water Service is not impacted at this time, but some areas may have temporarily experienced lower water pressure than normal. 

A BOIL WATER ADVISORY has been issued for 758-766 Steiner Street and 3406-3648 Hillside Ave.

GCWW crews, Police, and Fire are onsite to begin clean-up, assess necessary repairs, assist with traffic, and establish detours. Roads will be closed in the immediate area until further notice. 

Updates will be provided here and on the GCWW Twitter site (@CincinnatiWater) as more details become available regarding repairs, etc. 

Riverside Drive Map