Extreme cold causes water main breaks, road closures in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The extreme cold resulted in at least two water main breaks Tuesday on major roadways in Louisville.

The Louisville Water Company said it was working to repair a break in Crescent Hill. Brownsboro Road was closed near Hillcrest Avenue as crews worked to fix the break and mitigate the water that covered the roadway and the parking lots of several nearby businesses, including a gas station, restaurant and hair salon. The break was expected to be fixed by Tuesday evening, but the wet pavement would likely be solid ice in the bitter temperatures.

A broken fire hydrant closed Lexington Road near Payne Street near a large apartment complex, a concert venue, coffee shop and gas station. Heavy equipment opened a large section of the pavement as repairs were being made.

Drivers were told to avoid the areas and prepare for detours. The breaks caused the surrounding roadways to be flooded with water. In the extreme cold, the water on the street creates icy conditions in parking lots and yards.

The water company said many breaks happen during the extreme temperatures impacting Louisville and the surrounding area. The breaks are caused when water expands in pipes, creating pressure that creates leaks.

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