Baker Street water main break creates havoc for downtown traffic
By The Nelson Daily Staff
Downtown Nelson was a maze of construction vehicles and equipment after a water main on the south side of 500 Baker Street experienced a linear break, resulting in a handful of flooded basements of buildings housing some local businesses the City of Nelson said in a media release Thursday.
“For safety reasons, power was turned off on the 500 Block of Baker and the north side of Victoria Street in the early morning,” the media release said.
“As of noon (Thursday), most buildings have restored power, except for the businesses directly impacted by the flooding.
“Water remains turned off for the south side of Baker Street (even-numbered addresses).”
The City of Nelson said crews, including Nelson Hydro, Public Works, and Nelson Fire Rescue Service, were on-site managing the work related to the break for most of the day.
“Public Works is repairing the water main and anticipates restoring water services later this evening,” the media release said.
“Fire and Public Works crews are assisting building owners with pumping out any excess water in their basements, and Nelson Hydro staff are on hand to assist in reenergizing power to the buildings when deemed safe to do so.”
The 500 Block of Baker is closed to regular traffic, except for Nelson Transit busses, which used parking stalls in front of the BCAA building to service routes east of the city. City staff is asking all pedestrians to proceed with caution in the in the vicinity of 500 Block of Baker Street and respect all crews and signage.
“Thank you for your patience as our crews work to restore services on this block,” the media release said.
