A burst water pipe caused a major disruption during the morning commute as it spewed water all over the roadway near SR 99 and West Marginal Way in Seattle. The incident occurred under the 1st Avenue Bridge, near West Marginal Way South and Highland Park Way Southwest, causing a southbound lane to flood. The Seattle Police Department (SPD) referred to it as a “large water main break,” urging drivers to avoid the area.
Photos and videos captured by a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) camera showed water shooting onto the southbound lanes of SR 99. WSDOT first reported the incident on their official Twitter account at 4:20 a.m., announcing the closure of the HOV lane. The water flow was successfully shut off by WSDOT crews around 6:50 a.m., bringing some relief to the affected area.
Multiple agencies, including the SPD, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), and WSDOT crews, swiftly responded to the scene. Their coordinated efforts aimed to address the situation promptly and minimize the inconvenience caused to commuters.
The exact cause of the burst pipe is currently under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that the pipe may have been a water line for a fire hydrant on Highway 99. WSDOT and SPU crews are currently working to repair the damaged pipe and restore normalcy to the area.
As a result of the incident, the south HOV lane on Highway 99 on the First Avenue South Bridge in South Seattle remains closed. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and stay updated on the latest traffic advisories. Further updates on the incident and road closure are expected as the investigation progresses. Residents and commuters are advised to stay informed through official channels and exercise caution while traveling in the affected area.
