Underground Utilities crews has reopened Merchant at 18th Friday afternoon after a water main break.
Supervisor Mike Dvorak initially expected a 10-inch line had failed, but after further investigation it was determined a 6-inch line developed a leak. The pipe has been fixed and initial street repairs are completed.
Final repairs will likely take place next week.
11 am Friday: Water main break diverting traffic at 18th and Merchant
Underground Utilities crews are closing down most of the intersection of 18th and Merchant after a water main break Friday morning.
Department supervisor Mike Dvorak says a 10-inch like failed in the middle of the intersection. The cause is unclear.
The current plan is to detour northbound traffic on Merchant, also serving as Kansas Highway 99, at 15th and take that traffic west to Center Street before reconnecting at Merchant. Southbound traffic will be diverted at Highland until further notice.
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