Repairs nearly complete on damaged Mpls. water main
Repairs are nearly complete on the downtown Minneapolis water main that ruptured on Thursday.
The 36-inch pipe near a construction site on Hennepin Avenue discharged about 14 million gallons of water into the streets.
Marie Asgian, city superintendent of water distribution, said the main line has been repaired. She said city workers are disinfecting it with a chlorine solution, which will take about nine hours. Workers will test the line for bacteria on Tuesday morning. Results on whether the water is safe for drinking are expected by Wednesday.
A temporary water line is in place for six buildings in the area. City staff advised affected residents to boil the water before drinking until tests have confirmed that it's safe.
Asgian said staff have worked tirelessly to restore water to the area since Thursday.
"I couldn't be prouder," Asgian said. "They understand the importance of the work they do and that people are relying on them for water supply."
Southbound Hennepin Avenue remains closed to traffic from 1st Street N. to Washington Avenue. The city expects to open one lane of traffic by Tuesday morning. Most Metro Transit buses diverted after the water main break have returned to normally scheduled routes.
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