Scranton, Lackawanna County (WBRE/Wyoming) — Parts of a city are left in shaky condition after a massive water main break. It forced road closures and caused damage to a road in the Scranton Hills area.
That water main break caused quite a stir. Maintenance crews worked in difficult conditions as water surged to the surface and turned into ice.
Flooding flooded sidewalks in the 900 block of Madison Avenue in Scranton. It cascades through a backyard, a neighboring business, and several blocks along Ashe Street.
Pennsylvania American Water said a 16-inch main line broke Saturday morning. The pipe dates back to 1891.
Crews rushed to the scene but took several hours to stem the flow, which quickly froze.
“It’s going to be very, very cold, though, so we’re going to work with PAWC to try to make sure those roads get as much salt as possible when the water freezes,” Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti (D) said.
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One of the many people affected was John Butler, who owned the Butler Coffin Company in Ash Street.
“This issue has to be resolved as quickly as possible. So, I mean, I have to open the door on Monday morning, so I have a lot on my plate,” said John Butler, owner of Butler Coffin Company.
Water seeps into every aspect of Butler’s business. He said he rushed to the building after a friend alerted him.
“He said, ‘You have a river in your front yard and it goes around your building.’ I walked around the block and through the alley,” he said. “It’s coming from the front of your building, it’s coming from the back of your building,” he said. “Obviously, we’re right in the middle of it, you know, it’s flowing down Madison Avenue,” Butler explained.
Fortunately, Butler’s inventory was not damaged, but he had to get the water out before regular business hours. However, he chose to look on the bright side.
“Hey, it could be worse. Look at it this way, period,” Butler added.
Pennsylvania American Water said about 55 customers were without water service Saturday night. A spokesman expected the repairs to be completed by 6am on Sunday.
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