Update (January 26th, 3:15 pm):
The intersection of Lincoln Street and 5th Street will reopen to traffic on Friday afternoon, January 26th, at 4 p.m. following a significant water main break on January 24th. The break resulted in a void beneath Lincoln Street, causing a two-day closure of the intersection.
The water main break was reported at 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday, January 24th. Port Angeles Police, Fire, and Public Works & Utilities personnel responded immediately to close the intersection and set up a detour route.
Repairs to the water main took place the same day. Approximately ten water utility customers were impacted by the break. Water was restored to those customers on Wednesday afternoon and a localized precautionary boil water advisory was in effect for just under 24 hours. Late Thursday morning, January 25th, the City received satisfactory water sample results and the boil water advisory was lifted.
The intersection was backfilled on Wednesday following repairs to the water main. However, road paving work was delayed until Friday morning to allow the backfilling, or structural support, to become fully dry and compact.
Repairs are now fully complete.
We extend our gratitude to Interwest Construction, Inc. and Lakeside Industries for their prompt assistance in addressing this issue. We also thank City residents and commuters for their patience during this time.
Update (January 25th, 1:00 pm):
The localized precautionary boil water advisory has been lifted. Satisfactory water sample results received on Thursday, January 25th, warrant lifting the notice; impacted residents have been notified via door hanger.
The advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution to approximately 10 Water Utility Customers impacted by the water main break. Samples taken in the area were tested and it has been verified that the water is safe to drink and use.
Update (January 25th, 10:45 am):
The Lincoln Street and 5th Street intersection will remain closed overnight. The delay will allow the backfilling, or structural support, to become fully dry and compact. Paving work will take place tomorrow (Friday, January 26th), once the area is suitable. Staff anticipate the intersection to reopen on Friday afternoon, approximately 4-5 hours after paving is complete. We thank you for your continued patience.
Update (January 24th, 4:20 pm):
The Lincoln Street and 5th Street intersection will remain closed overnight. Work began today, January 24th, to repair the water main. Surface restoration and pavement work is expected to take place tomorrow (January 25th). Staff anticipate the intersection to reopen to traffic late tomorrow afternoon.
Water has been restored to the Water Utility Customers impacted by the water main break. A precautionary boil water advisory remains in place (see details below). Water samples have been collected and submitted to the Clallam County Health Department for testing to ensure the water is safe to drink. Once satisfactory results have been received, all impacted customers will be notified by City staff via door hanger.
Update (January 24th, 11:30 am):
Approximately 10 Water Utility Customers have been impacted by the water main break. All affected customers have been notified via door hanger.
Once repairs are complete and water is restored, a precautionary boil water notice is advised for customers impacted by the break. These customers should use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking, cooking, making ice and brushing teeth.
- To eliminate bacteria and other organisms that may have been introduced to the water, tap water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Let the water cool before using.
- Tap water is safe for showering, bathing and other household uses, including washing dishes in the dishwasher, as long as the heat/sanitizing cycle and commercial dishwashing detergent are used.
Following repairs, the water main will be disinfected and flushed, and the City will take water samples to ensure safety. When satisfactory test results have been received, the precautionary boil water notice will be lifted. Impacted customers will be notified via door hanger.
If you experience discolored water, please flush your water lines by running water in a bathtub or faucet until the water runs clear.
Original News Flash (January 24th, 9:36 am):
The City of Port Angeles is responding to a significant water main break that has resulted in a void beneath Lincoln Street at the intersection of Lincoln & 5th Streets. City Manager Nathan West will declare an emergency to expedite necessary contracting and repairs.
The water main break was reported at 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday, January 24th. Port Angeles Police, Fire, and Public Works & Utilities staff responded immediately to close the intersection and set up a detour route.
The Lincoln & 5th Street intersection will remain closed until repairs to both the water main and roadway are complete.
Updates will be provided as more information is available. We thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work quickly to resolve this issue.
Pictured: Lincoln Street is temporarily closed at the intersection of Lincoln & 5th Streets. The City of Port Angeles will declare an emergency to facilitate necessary contracting and repairs.
Pictured: Significant water main break at the intersection of Lincoln & 5th Streets.