CHICAGO — A water main break flooded parts of Streeterville Thursday, and crews are working to repair it.
The city's water department began getting calls about the burst 82-year-old pipe about 3:15 after water began pouring into the area near McClurg Court and Ohio Street, said spokesman Tom LaPorte. It spread as far as Grand Avenue, he said.
Traffic in the area is diverted in a block in each direction, LaPorte said.
"There was a lot of water pushed up, and remained in the street for a little bit in part because the snow and ice were covering" grates, he said.
City crews are identifying where utilities are located, and will soon begin repair the pipe, he said. Crews will begin digging and then will determine if the pipe, which dates to 1932, needs to be replaced or it it can be clamped.
LaPorte wasn't sure why the pipe burst. He said it could be due to weather or the pipe's age.
"It's been in the ground 81 years, and that's certainly a nice long age for a pipe," he said.
