Find Posts By Topic

Emergency Utility Repairs Continue

One northbound First Avenue S. lane impacted, work expected until evening of August 23

Emergency utility repairs to address the aftermath of a water main break will require the continued closure of roads and a sidewalk in the vicinity of First Avenue S. and S. Massachusetts Street until the evening of Thursday, August 23.

Early Tuesday morning, a long lateral break occurred in a 16-inch drinking water main running north/south on First Avenue South at South Massachusetts Street. The cause of the break has not been determined. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) restored water service to local businesses at 1:15 a.m. this morning.

SPU has now backfilled the void created under First Avenue S. with liquid controlled density fill (CDF) material that must cure for at least 24 hours. Once the fill material has cured, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will begin temporary restoration work on the damaged pavement and sidewalk. This should allow the city to reopen Thursday evening the following right of way areas that are currently closed: 

  • The northbound travel lane on First Avenue South from South Massachusetts Street to Edgar Martinez Drive.
  • South Massachusetts Street from South Occidental Avenue to First Avenue South.
  • The eastern sidewalk on First Avenue South from South Holgate Street to Edgar Martinez Drive.

In the upcoming weeks, SDOT will assess the full extent of the work required and plan for the permanent restoration of damaged roads and sidewalk.