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, where Philadelphia Water Department crews started repairs over the weekend. There was no firm timeline for the work to end, but Penn Medicine, in a travel advisory posted on its website, said the 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.”
It was not immediately clear if the water main break caused damage to any of the medical facilities.
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.