Water Main Break on Campus Shuts Down 13th and Norris Streets

Updated 10/13/16 at 10:00am

Water service has been restored to Peabody Hall residents as of late Wednesday evening.

This pipe below 13th and Norris Streets is responsible for the massive water main break.
This pipe below 13th and Norris Streets is responsible for the massive water main break.

Work on the pipe continued into the evening Wednesday, but wrapped up by Thursday morning. Norris Street is still closed between 13th and Broad Streets. No word as to when the street will be reopened.

Updated 10/12/16 at 6:10pm

Peabody residents are still without water Wednesday night after a water main break at the corner of 13th and Norris Streets.

Crews are planning on working through the night to restore water service to Peabody, but officials say they can’t begin the work until they have received clearance from PECO.

Officials told Temple Update’s Taggart Houck that the break was caused in part by a vehicle colliding with a fire hydrant in the library construction zone.

In an email to residents, the university asked students to “refrain from using the restrooms in Peabody Hall.” They also said they are working on providing accommodations until water services can be restored. Peabody residents are being directed to the first floor of 1940 Residence Hall to use the facilities there for the time being, and can shower at IBC. Water bottles are also being provided.

University officials also said that the sprinkler system in Peabody is currently out of order due to the water shortage, but the alarm system is functioning. An on going fire watch team is in place until the sprinkler system is back up and running.

There is no word how long the drought will last.

Original Post: 12:30pm

Norris Street buckles after a water main break at the corner of 13th and Norris Streets.
Norris Street buckles after a water main break at the corner of 13th and Norris Streets.

A water main break at the corner of 13th and Norris Streets have left two residence halls without water as of 12:30pm.

Officials with the Philadelphia Water Department say a 12 inch main broke around 9:30am Wednesday, shutting down the length of 13th Street from Cecil B. Moore Avenue and Diamond Street. Norris Street has been closed from 12th to Broad Streets.

As of 12:30pm, there was no word as to what caused the main to break, but the pressure lifted the road along Norris, causing extensive damage that officials say could take up to four or five hours to fix.

Water service to Peabody and 1940 Residence Halls have been turned off, and there is no word as to when service will be returned.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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