Water main break causes lane closures through weekend in south Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – A portion of southbound South Academy Boulevard remained closed Friday morning as crews finished repairs to a water main break confirmed by Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU).

The break prompted a closure of southbound Academy between Hancock Expressway and Drennan Road; only one northbound lane is open from Drennan to Jet Wing Drive.

CSU spokesman Alex Trefry said that the lane closures will remain effective until Sunday morning.

The break has been repaired and the excavated area restored but crews will need until Sunday morning to prepare the affected segment for regular traffic.

According to Trefry, a private contractor doing underground work struck the 24-inch main just before 1:30 a.m. Thursday;, CSU is investigating the circumstances of that incident.

In a post on its Facebook page Thursday night, CSU said that the break was 16 feet below street level and under a stormwater drain.

The utility said that crews of 4 to 6 people are alternating 12-hour shifts until repairs are finished.

"We're asking everyone to please drive safely through the area," Trefry said. "Please follow the construction signage. Do not speed. There are people working out on the roadway, and for their safety and yours, please slow down as you're driving through."

KRDO 13's The Road Warrior saw several instances of drivers running red lights and drivers knocking down cones to avoid long traffic jams on southbound Academy and eastbound Hancock.

A number of people even drove into the closure, only to eventually turn back around.