A water main break has closed a section of Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh until at least Monday afternoon.

Early Sunday, all lanes in the 3900 block of Blue Ridge Road, about 0.5 miles from Crabtree Valley Mall, were closed near Nova Star Lane for repairs, according to the city. 

The estimated repair timeline is 2 p.m. on Monday, according to the city.

It could impact the Monday morning commute. Raleigh Water Assistant Director Ed Buchan says it could be this way for a while. 

“We’re waiting right now for some replacement pipe and parts, and then we’re going to see about the repaving schedule,” Buchan said. “We may be able to get it back in service [Monday], but I wouldn’t be surprised if it extends into Tuesday or Wednesday.”

A detour was posted. Drivers traveling northbound on Blue Ridge Road should:

Turn left onto Homewood DriveTurn right onto Crabtree BoulevardTurn left back onto Blue Ridge Road

Traffic traveling southbound on Blue Ridge Road should:

Turn right onto Crabtree BoulevardTurn left onto Homewood DriveTurn right back onto Blue Ridge Road

Buchan said a 12-inch pipe borke on Saturday night. It’s unclear why.

According to Buchan, the water main break caused two houses and an apartment complex to be without water or have low water pressure for several hours.

“It’s a pretty deep excavation to get to the pipe, so you’re going to have to bring in a lot of fill material to bring it back up to grade, and then the pavement is pretty thick,” Buchan said.

Buchan said he’s thankful the break wasn’t worse.

“I think this is about average,” he said. “We were a little concerned about whether it impacted the culvert underneath it. It didn’t seem to have done that.”

Previously on Sunday, the city of Raleigh posted: 

“The timeline for this repair and closure is
currently being assessed and is dependent on weather and other factors. Further details will be issued as
repair progresses. Raleigh Water appreciates
the public’s patience and cooperation as crews work to resolve this issue as
quickly and safely as possible.”

The North Carolina State Fair starts on Thursday.