The department had initially projected a monthlong closure of the intersection, but utility engineers from PECO, Verizon and the water department gathered earlier in the week to inspect the damage and found it was far greater than originally believed.
“When this water main broke it sort of revealed there was a lot of undermining under the street, and there was also some ducts that were damaged to PECO and Verizon, and they’re out here to make those repairs as well," said water department spokesman John DiGiulio. "So, once the street is broken out, we’ll be able to repair the water main. PECO and the other utilities are going to make the repairs necessary for us to be able to get in there.”
DiGiulio says a section of an 8-inch main installed in the 1820s broke, and crews anticipate they’ll have to install a 20-foot replacement pipe.
In the meantime, DiGiulio says access to the neighborhood from Second to Fourth streets on Arch Street, and Third Street from Market to Race streets will be restricted to through traffic.
"We have dog food. People have to come for their dog food. But are we suffering financially, I would say absolutely. This week’s been very tough. We personally deliver citywide so it shouldn’t affect our customers hopefully here at BoneJour pet supply. We’re always going to remain positive, but the numbers are the numbers and we are being affected," she said.
Jay, who runs Philly Souvenir on Third Street, says the two-month timetable is devastating.
"People come, but when they see this thing, nobody wants to come. Can't park the car or nothing, that's very difficult," he said.
Jay says he'll stay open for the duration, but he's suffered a losses, which he expects will continue until the intersection is reopened.