No Timeline Set for Reopening 10th Street After Second Water Main Break
Residents around 10th Street between Tasker and Morris have been through the ringer over the past few months. A representative from the Philadelphia Water Department tells us that two water main breaks since late-February will force the closure of the highly trafficked South Philly street with no timeline for reopening in sight.
A letter distributed by the Philadelphia Water Department to near-neighbors (attached below) explains that the second break occurred on April 23, which subsequently damaged the sewer and caused a sink hole. That means the 1600 block of South 10th Street will continue to be closed while PWD “plan[s] to replace the entire water main and sewer during the summer months.”
Perhaps in an effort to channel their inner Kid Hazo, unhappy passersby have used the road closed sign as an impromptu public comment board of sorts, tacking up snarky, political and even downright vulgar notes to it.
PWD’s John DiGiulio said there was no timeline for reopening the street at this time. Here’s the letter in full:
May 18, 2015
Re: 10th and Tasker Street Repairs
Dear Philadelphia Water Customer:
I am writing to update you on the Water Department’s work that is taking place on your block.
On April 23rd, Philadelphia Water was notified of a water main break, and a subsequent cave-in on the 1500 Block of South 10th Street. We responded shortly after notification and began making repairs to the broken water main to restore service to our customers as quickly as possible. While our crews were working, we inspected the valves which allow us to operate the water mains in this vicinity and the sewer that serves the block. We found that the sewer and the valves are in need of repair.
Currently, our crews are working to replace the defective valves, and repair the sewer to allow our system to fully function. Because we believe that the water main and sewer on your block have reached the end of their useful life, we plan to replace the entire water main and sewer during the summer months. The job will be bid for an emergency contract, which means the process to begin the work will take less time. We will keep you up to date with more information as we are able to form a better timeline to begin this replacement project.
10th Street will remain closed while we continue to work on site and it will be shut down again when our contractor begins working to replace the water main and sewer. We appreciate your patience and support and we regret any inconvenience caused as a result of this emergency work. Our job is to provide you with safe and reliable water and sewer service and our task now is to ensure that this high quality service is restored.
In the interim, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Regards,
John DiGiulioJohn.DiGiulio@phila.gov
(215) 685-6019
• [H/t] 10th Street to remain closed for weeks while sinkhole is repaired [Passyunk Post]
