Water main break disrupts Upper West Side subway service
- A water main break on the Upper West Side affected subway services on the B and C lines, with additional impacts on A and D train services.
- City officials responded quickly to the situation, shutting off the water supply about an hour later and managing the ensuing complications.
- The incident occurred on a day when large crowds were estimated for the balloon inflation event, causing significant travel disruptions.
On Wednesday afternoon, a significant water main break disrupted subway services in New York City's Upper West Side, primarily affecting the busy B and C lines. The incident, triggered by a 12-inch main break at approximately 1:50 p.m., led to water flooding onto the tracks, causing immediate suspensions of B and C train services in both directions. The A train service was halted between 125th Street and Chambers Street, while the D train service faced suspensions between 161st Street and Herald Square. Passengers were advised to use the 1, 2, and 3 lines, resulting in considerable crowding on these alternate routes. It was noted that the 2 and 3 trains, usually operating as express services, were instructed to make local stops to accommodate the displaced commuters. Additionally, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) indicated that 4 and 5 trains might encounter delays due to the rerouting of trains sharing the same track. The city’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) responded promptly, with city officials stating that they arrived on the scene within 25 minutes of the incident. By 2:45 p.m., the water supply to the broken main was shut off, impacting around 250 residences in eight nearby buildings. Officials, including DEP Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala, noted that such incidents occur randomly and emphasized efforts made in recent years to reduce the frequency of such breaks, referencing a record low number in the previous year. While water was cleared from the subway tracks, some passengers on a B train were required to switch cars, although this transition was reported to have gone smoothly. The service disruptions coincided with an increase in foot traffic as crowds gathered for the annual balloon inflation ahead of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, complicating commutes for many arriving in the Upper West Side area. Commuters expressed frustrations, with individuals noting police presence and traffic blockages as they attempted to navigate home. The combination of the water main break and the expected crowd for the holiday festivities made for a challenging travel day for those in the area.