JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Update: JEA says now that the pipe repairs are complete, it was found that a communications contractor hit the pipe next to a fused joint, causing the leak. Furthermore, JEA says crews are in the process of slowly restoring water pressure to the affected customer(s) and have begun working on road restoration. All lanes on Loretto Road are open as of 1:31 p.m., according to JEA.
One lane on Loretto Road is closed at the intersection of Old St. Augustine Road as crews work to fix a water main break Thursday morning, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. In addition, "partial northbound lanes of Old St. Augustine Road" are blocked, JSO says.
Drivers can expect the lanes to remain closed until about 3 p.m. this afternoon, police say.
St. Joseph's Historic Church and the Cody Family Enrichment Center building are located at the southwest corner of the intersection, as JEA says they are the only customers without water; they will be the only ones required to follow the boil water advisory that JEA will issue, too. Delays are expected as well, and Mandarin High School is also nearby so, prepare for traffic that could pop up in the area.
JEA also tells First Coast News that their crews first responded to a leaking six inch water main Wednesday night and after "prep and investigatory digging," they found that the water main is over 13-feet deep and crosses Loretto Road, just west of Old St. Augustine Road.
After pipe repairs are complete, JEA says road repairs will take "most of the day," but an additional travel lane will open by 8 a.m.