LISTEN TO JACK HALL’S INTERVIEW WITH JEFF LAMPI, CITY OF ESCANABA
WATCH VIDEO OF THE ESCANABA WATER MAIN MESS
COMMENTS FROM ESCANABA PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR ROBERT LAMARCHE
The City of Escanaba has lifted the restrictions on water use after this morning’s severe water main break in the 100 block of North Lincoln Road.
The city had been urging residents and businesses to conserve water, not do laundry, and unplug things like ice machines.
But Escanaba Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jeff Lampi tells the Radio Results Network that as of shortly after 2:00 this afternoon, the repairs were made to the main, which broke at about 5:30 this morning, sending water into the streets. Lampi says it took crews between five and six hours to make the repairs, after the water had been shut off and the source of the problem was identified.
“I’m assuming it was because of the cold,” Lampi said. He added that it was a 10-to-12 inch main that failed.
Lampi says that, in the end, there was no need for a Boil Water Advisory in the city.
“We maintained pressures throughout the city,” Lampi told RRN News. “We have a good relationship with the hospital, and they were watching the pressure. We were good. The hospital still has good water. It’s just a matter of clearing the dirty water out of the city and getting back to normal.”
As of 3:30 p.m., Escanaba Public Safety says that the roadway and intersection at Lincoln and Ludington Street has been opened. All traffic can resume normal travel in that area.There is still a road closure on 1st Avenue North at North Lincoln Road west to North 26th Street. This includes the 100 block of North 25th Street. Motorists are asked to bypass this section and use an alternative route.
Lampi also thanked his crews for working in subzero all day, without breaks, to make the needed repairs.
“Kudos to the crew,” he said. “Everyone did a great job in this one. They worked long hours to save the city.”
