Oklahoma City, OK – A significant water main break has caused ongoing disruptions at the intersection of Northeast Santa Fe and 122nd, creating a major headache for drivers and residents alike. Water has been gushing into the intersection for several days, complicating traffic and causing long delays during rush hours.
According to Jasmine Morris, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma City Utilities Department, a 12-inch water main has ruptured. While Morris described the break as “significant,” she reassured the public that it is not one of the largest in the city’s extensive water distribution system.
“The type of equipment needed for the repair, along with safety concerns and the necessity for a large enough barrier around the area, means we will conduct the repairs during the late evening hours,” Morris explained.
The impact on traffic has been severe, with the busy intersection, typically featuring two lanes, reduced to just one lane. This narrowing has caused congestion, making commutes longer for those trying to get through the area.
Koltin Willis, the General Manager at nearby J. Willis Auto Body, noted the sharp increase in traffic. “The traffic’s usually pretty backed up over in this area, but it’s almost doubled, I would say, in the last few days,” Willis remarked.
Oklahoma City Police have also been called to the intersection, responding to two separate accidents on Tuesday due to the traffic chaos.
Despite the inconveniences caused, Morris assured Oklahoma City residents that their water bills would not be affected by the repair work.
For now, city officials are advising drivers to seek alternate routes to avoid the ongoing disruptions at the intersection. With the repair process scheduled for late hours, residents and commuters hope to see a swift resolution to the issue.
