CRANBERRY TWP - A major waterline break on Route 19 left a trail of debris and backed up traffic Thursday.
The break was reported around noon Thursday in the southbound lanes of the road near the Streets of Cranberry shopping complex. Within minutes, rapid water rushed down Route 19, with a giant pool forming at the intersection of Route 19 and American Way.
Township crews turned off water flow at main points north and south of the break, and by 1 p.m. dozens of workers were on hand to find and repair the issue. One lane of traffic was maintained, which backed up during the lunchtime rush.
According to Dan Santoro, assistant township manager, crews were still working to determine the cause. He noted such major breaks are not common during the summer months, as they are often associated with the freezing and thawing of the ground in the winter. He added that given the location of the pipe, it was likely one of the oldest in the township.
As crews worked to determine the cause and work to fix the issue, members of the township’s fire department were seen using fire hoses to clear debris from the road and parking lots downstream from the break.