PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A water main break has closed a stretch of Spruce Street near the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
The closure is on Spruce Street between 34th and 38th streets. The Philadelphia Water Department said water started spewing onto the street from an 8-inch water main on Sunday. The department said it also has to fix a leak from a fire hydrant connection.
The water department did not give an estimated timeline as crews continue to assess the situation. However, Penn Medicine, in a travel advisory posted on its website, said the road closure could last for weeks.
Delays are expected around HUP, the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, the Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs, and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
"Please expect heavy traffic and delays when traveling in West Philadelphia and University City," Penn Medicine said in the notice. "If possible, consider using public transportation. If you are driving to your appointment, be sure to allow extra time to arrive and plan your route in advance."
Water department officials said hospital water service should not be affected.
The recent prolonged period of below-freezing temperatures has led to a spike in water main breaks in Philadelphia. There have been well over 100 in the last month.
