Wednesday, July 27, 2016
BOARDMAN — Multiple state, county and township agencies are at the scene of a water-main break at U.S. Route 224 and Southern Boulevard that is causing traffic congestion.
Responders got called to the scene shortly after 2 p.m. after a tractor-trailer reportedly struck a fire hydrant while turning from 224 onto Southern Boulevard, Fire Chief Mark Pitzer said.
Water continues to flow from under the road, and representatives from the fire, police and road departments; Ohio State Highway Patrol; and county engineer and water departments are working to resolve the situation. The break was to a Southern Boulevard water line that crosses 224.
“Right now, if you’re out and about in the Boardman area, maybe try to avoid this area. It’s very congested out here,” Pitzer said, noting that as of about 3:15 p.m. traffic on 224 was backed up all the way to South Avenue about 3:15 p.m.
The westbound lanes of 224 in that area are shut down at this time. Eastbound motorists are being redirected.
Pitzer said the repair work likely will take the rest of the day. Any long-term damage is not yet known.