A major water main break in Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties neighborhood has displaced residents, caused extensive flooding, and led to road damage.
The incident, which occurred near 4th Street and Girard Avenue, was reported to the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Crews discovered a 20-inch broken main on the 1100 block of North 4th Street, which sent water and mud gushing through the area, impacting apartment buildings, homes, businesses, and a fire station.
Part of Girard Avenue collapsed under the pressure of the floodwaters and remained closed between 4th and 5th Streets.
Cleanup efforts, including clearing trolley tracks covered in mud, continued Monday morning.
Although, officials have not provided a timeline for the completion of repairs.
One of the hardest-hit buildings, the Dally apartment complex, had its basement inundated with 20 feet of water.
The flooding submerged the gym and community rooms, though individual units were spared from direct damage.
While renters’ insurance will cover accommodations for the water break, the situation has created significant disruption, especially with the holidays approaching.
Crews are working to pump water out of affected buildings and remove debris from surrounding North Philly streets.
The break also damaged nearby infrastructure, including a Philadelphia fire station, where companies have been temporarily relocated.
A section of Girard Avenue in Northern Liberties remains closed Monday morning after a water main break and partial road collapse over the weekend. https://t.co/VlP4VSuGLv
— CBS Philadelphia (@CBSPhiladelphia) November 25, 2024
SEPTA’s Route 15 trolley, which operates along Girard Avenue, has been detoured due to the flooding and road collapse.
Authorities have advised commuters to avoid Girard Avenue and 4th Street, providing alternate routes such as Thompson, Master, and Poplar Streets.
The Water Department and Department of Streets are leading cleanup and repair efforts, with assistance from PECO, the Philadelphia Fire Department, and the police.
As of Monday evening, parts of Girard Avenue reopened to traffic, but the 1100 block of North 4th Street will remain closed until further notice.
Residents and commuters are urged to stay updated on detours and ongoing developments as the city works to restore the area.
