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Water main break repairs could last at least a week in Tampa neighborhood

Update: Work on the repair continues and Rome Avenue is still closed to traffic. However, the water supply in the vicinity has been tested and the precautionary boil water advisory has been lifted

TAMPA – A massive water main break in a Tampa neighborhood is still being repaired, and the road isn’t expected to fully reopen for at least another week.

The pipe on Rome Avenue started gushing water after a valve slipped off on Thursday around 5 p.m. It occurred between Hillsborough and West Hannah avenues.

The main pumps millions of gallons of water throughout the city, so there was a lot of damage. City crews worked throughout Thursday night into Friday morning on the repairs, with water starting to burst out again.

Officials say eight homes were flooded after the road caved in. A precautionary boil water notice is in place for a large area west of Interstate 275 and east of Dale Mabry Highway. City officials said they offered residents a place to stay, but said they had made other arrangements.

Workers expect the pipe to be completed by Friday evening, but repairing the hole will take much longer. The hole must be repaired, as well as the utilities. New asphalt will need to be put down, and the sidewalk and at least one driveway must be fixed. It could be completed as soon as next Friday or later.

BOIL-WATER ALERT BOUNDARIES:
  •  South of Busch Boulevard
  •  East of Dale Mabry
  •  North of Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.
  •  West of I-275