21 October 2020

Barry Drive burst water main disrupts afternoon commute

| Kim Treasure
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Burst water main at Barry Drive

A burst water main at Barry Drive has stopped traffic. Photo: Supplied.

Commuters are being advised to avoid parts of Barry Drive after a burst water main closed the section between Northbourne Ave and Marcus Clarke Street this afternoon (21 October).

Due to water on the road, both westbound lanes of Barry Drive and both southbound lanes of Marcus Clarke Street are closed.

Icon Water is working to reopen the road but says it’s expected to take at least six hours. However, depending on the extent of the road damage caused by the burst mains, repairs could take longer than expected.

Motorists are being asked to avoid the area if possible.

An Icon Water spokesperson said water mains could break due to a number of factors including age, soil condition, and interference.

“We are unable to predict faults such as burst water mains,” the spokesperson said. “As faults are reported to us we respond as quickly as possible.

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“Icon Water would like to apologise for the disruption caused and thank the community for their patience.”

ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R) and ACT Policing are also on the scene. Repairs are underway.

Burst water main on Barry Drive. Photo: Region Media.

Repairs to the water main have commenced on Barry Drive. Photo: Region Media.

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