Water Main Breaks Close Roads in Austin, Westford

Two separate water main breaks were reported Monday in Austin and Westford, Massachusetts. In Austin, a break on eastbound E. Riverside Drive at S. Lakeshore Boulevard shut all eastbound lanes, and police advised drivers to avoid the area while repairs continue and the cause remains unknown. In Westford, a major break around 6:30 a.m. on Grove Street sent water rushing down streets, flooded at least two basements, produced massive pavement cracks and a roadway collapse, and prompted multiple road closures and posted detours including Oak Hill Road. Town officials said the affected main dates to the 1940s and that temperature changes likely contributed; public works and water department crews are on scene and National Grid shut off gas and electric to assess damage. Residents reported low or no water and discolored water (officials say not a health risk); officials hope to restore water and gas by Monday evening and to repave the roadway in the days ahead. Authorities urged the public to avoid the affected areas and follow updates.