Early Monday morning, before 8 a.m., Durham police closed a section of Halley Street between Moreland Avenue and Kent Street after an 8‑inch water main ruptured, sending a torrent of water onto the roadway just west of downtown Durham.

Immediate impact and police response

Police officers quickly redirected traffic and posted signage to keep drivers safe while the water surged down Kent Street at the intersection with Halley Street and continued onto Gunter Street. Despite the sudden flood, the impact on traffic was minimal, with only a brief slowdown as motorists obeyed detour instructions.

City crews mobilize

By 9 a.m., Durham public‑works crews arrived on scene, began excavating the street, and worked to isolate the broken pipe. The water supply to the affected line was shut off, allowing crews to clear the majority of water from the road and begin repairs on the damaged main.

Restoration efforts

City engineers confirmed that the water main, part of Durham’s aging infrastructure, will be replaced with a new pipe to prevent future failures. The repair work is expected to be completed later in the day, after which Halley Street will be reopened to normal traffic flow.

Community reassurance

Durham officials emphasized that the swift response minimized inconvenience for residents and businesses in the neighborhood. The city’s public‑works department continues to monitor the area for any residual water and will conduct a final inspection before fully reopening the street.

Residents are encouraged to report any lingering water pooling or street damage to Durham’s 311 service line. The city remains committed to maintaining reliable water service and safe road conditions for all Durham citizens.

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.