'Prolonged' Closure Of Main Worcester Road After Water Main Rupture

WORCESTER, MA — A ruptured water main in the Webster Square area may disrupt road and train traffic for a long time, officials said Monday.

Early Monday morning, a water main ruptured along Heard Street near Stafford Street. The rupture flooded the road, but also poured onto train tracks that pass under Heard Street south of Stafford.

Although water in the area had been shut off, repairs may delay the reopening of Heard Street.

"Traffic is being detoured and will be for at least today and could be prolonged depending on the work that needs to be done," officials said in a news release. "Following the water main break, the roadway has been severely undermined, and railroad track operations have been impacted. Bridge inspectors will be evaluating the structure and the city is in the process of acquiring a contractor to assist with the repairs."

This is the second major water main break in Worcester recently. Part of Chandler Street was shut down for hours late last month after a water main rupture.