A fire hydrant leak in downtown Boston caused a mess for the Monday morning commute, with drivers being warned to avoid the area throughout the day.
A Boston Water and Sewer Commission spokesperson said Congress Street, between North and State streets, ould remain closed for the rest of the day after DPW crews noticed water leaking on the street near Faneuil Hall and City Hall just after 2 a.m. Around 10 p.m., they confirmed repairs and paving had been finished and the road reopened.
Crews first thought the issue was a water main break, but then discovered the leak was caused by a fire hydrant lateral pipe. Seventeen feet of replacement pipe has since been installed.
For people making their way to work, it wasn't an easy commute.
"In places, it's extremely slippery, more like a ski slope right now," said Kevin Hensey, of Beverly. "Very slushy. Really crowded on sidewalks so it's slow to walk. Hopefully, they'll clear this up soon."
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Even though the issue was fixed by about 8 a.m., traffic had to be redirected, which clogged nearby streets.
"We take the train from North Station so it's not as bad as these people driving in, getting stuck," said John Mueller, of Concord.
Water service has not been disrupted to nearby buildings, and there are no reports of flooding.
BWSC officials advised commuters and pedestrians to use caution in the area due to freezing that occurred from the flowing water. Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing on Monday for the first time since Christmas Day.
The cause of the pipe's damage is still being investigated.
Monday night, a hydrant break at Columbus Avenue and Burke Street caused another messy situation at the Northeastern University campus. The water was shut off and it began receding around 10:15 p.m.
