TROY (NEWS10) -- Crews are on the ground today dealing with the aftermath of three water main breaks that occurred within hours of each other.
The City of Troy has experienced three water main breaks in just two days, highlighting the challenges posed by its aging infrastructure.
Sean Keefe, Senior Water Maintenance Man for the City of Troy Water Department, was at work repairing one of the breaks outside of RPI on 15th Street. "The City of Troy's infrastructure is one of the oldest, I believe, in the country. So the pipes just are old," said Keefe. "You can't really repair the entire water system. It would be incredibly expensive and time-consuming."
Despite the challenges, Keefe assured that progress is being made. "We'll have the road reopened and traffic will be going through by 4:00 today," he added.
Another water main break occurred across the city on Colleen Road. Gary Reynolds, Water and Sewer Supervisor for the City of Troy Water Department, explained the common aftermath of such breaks. "When the water main is on, it keeps the blacktop up. But the minute you shut the water off, the blacktop drops. There's nothing to hold it up," Reynolds said. "People might see the road and think there's nothing wrong, not realizing that all the dirt underneath is gone."
Reynolds also advised caution for drivers. "If the road is buckled up, don't drive over it," he warned.
Crews worked diligently to fill the hole on Colleen Road with gravel, and after several hours, the road was reopened. This was crucial, as Colleen Road was being used as a detour due to unrelated road construction on Campbell Avenue.
As the City of Troy continues to address these infrastructure issues, residents and commuters are reminded to stay alert and follow any detours and advisories issued by the city's water department.
