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Water main breaks cause traffic delays across DC, Maryland, officials say

Drivers can expect major delays in the area of Rockville Pike at Cedar Lane in Bethesda.

WASHINGTON — Two water main breaks caused traffic delays in both Northwest D.C. and Maryland on Thursday afternoon.

The first water main break happened in Dupont Circle off Connecticut Avenue. According to D.C. Water, a 12-inch pipe dating from the 1940s broke and flooded the 1200 block of Connecticut Avenue. 

D.C. Water officials said in a tweet Thursday that some nearby retail businesses were flooded, but D.C. Water crews responded quickly and shut off the supply.

There is no word yet on when the water would be fully restored in the area of Connecticut Avenue or how many customers are currently without water at this time.

D.C. Water officials tell WUSA9 that it could take up to eight hours before the pipe that burst to be fixed.

As of 6:40 a.m. Friday, the road closure on southbound Connecticut Avenue near Dupont Circle reopened.

The second water main break happened off Rockville Pike at Cedar Lane in Montgomery County. Commuters can expect delays on Rockville Pike at Cedar Lane in Bethesda. 

According to WSSC Water, crews were able to shut off the water Thursday in order to assess the situation.

As of 5 a.m. Friday, WSSC reported that crews pulled an all-nighter repairing the break and have installed a new piece of 16-inch water main. They had to cut and replace 19-feet of pipe.

Water service was restored for impacted customers around 6 a.m. WSSC said customers should begin to slowly see their water return.

Repairs are complete with a temporary patch. One lane of southbound Rockville Pike gets by at the break. Traffic control will remain in place all day Friday. Drivers should expect delays in the area. Final road restoration is expected this weekend after the rain moves out of the area.

This is a developing story that will be updated once more information becomes available. Stay with WUSA9 for the latest.

RELATED: Large water main break prompts street closures near Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center

RELATED: New pipe in place after massive water main break floods Rockville Pike in North Bethesda

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