HANSON — The rupture of a 12-inch water main caused the shutdown of several area businesses and traffic near 1120 Main Street at noon on Tuesday, while crews stopped the water flow.
A Hanson Highway Department worker came across the active break as he was driving down Main Street around 11:40 a.m. and relayed to the water department.
The street had buckled from the water flow underneath the roadway a failure of the roadbed three feet across, affecting both sides of the street.
“Residents may notice a brownish tinge to the water, which is normal for a water main break,” said Assistant Superintendent of the Water Department Jerry Davis.
There was no reported boil order in effect, he said.
Approximately 15 homes and four businesses, including Dunkin’ Donuts were affected by the water shut off. The road closures did not affect the commuter rail, which was still operating normally.
Workers were able to shut off the water by 12:07 p.m. They would be making the repairs as quickly as possible, but were expected to take several hours, Davis said.
Davis said the Whitman-Hanson School Department was notified by his office in case the bus route was affected later Tuesday.
Hanson police blocked traffic at Elm Street and Main Street and Elm Street to Phillips Street. Highway Surveyor Robert Brown, Dig Safe and Brockton Utilities were also on scene as repairs were being made.