Repair work, road closures ongoing after New Westminster water main break

A large water main suddenly burst in New Westminster sending water gushing onto the streets.

Cleanup continued Saturday in the New Westminster neighbourhood flooded by a water main break Friday morning.

In an update late Saturday morning, Metro Vancouver said the break occurred near 240 Francis Way. The regional district said the flow of water stopped “within a few hours of the leak being isolated,” but work to expose the break so that staff can assess the cause and repair it is ongoing.

Dozens of people were ordered to evacuate their homes on Friday as water cascaded from the pipe and through the streets.

East Columbia Street was closed in both directions between McBride Boulevard and Richmond Street, and the City of New Westminster said in its own update Saturday morning that the closure would remain “for several more hours.”

“Priority work includes the ongoing removal of water from two buildings on Jamieson Court,” the city said in its statement.

Those two buildings – 69 and 71 Jamieson Court – had their electricity turned off during the flooding. The power will remain off until the buildings' electrical rooms are dry and it’s safe to turn the power back on, according to the city.

“Any water that people may notice flowing in the area is being pumped from those residences,” Metro Vancouver said in its statement.

Buildings on Francis Way were also affected by the flooding. The city said residents of first floor units on 225 Francis Way were allowed to return home “to collect their belongings.”

“Most residents of 245 Francis Way have been able to return home,” the city said.

Metro Vancouver warned that its ongoing work on the water main “may result in drinking water turbidity (cloudiness) and pressure issues.”

“Metro Vancouver is monitoring this closely and will update the public should the water quality become a concern,” the regional district said. “Tap water is safe to drink and consumers do not need to take any actions at this time.”