Construction work on the Second Street infrastructure project struck a water line Wednesday morning, June 24, creating a significant water leak that temporarily affected at least one local business during the lunch hour.

The incident occurred as crews began the first phase of a major infrastructure project on Second Street between Church Street and Trudeau Street. The section is closed to traffic for approximately three weeks, weather permitting, while workers remove and replace deteriorated concrete pavement and existing water and sewer lines.

The water line break prompted at least one local business to close during lunch as crews and city officials worked to assess the issue and make repairs.

Water and sewer service is expected to remain available to nearby businesses, residences and other buildings throughout the project, except for brief periods when new utility lines are connected to the existing system.

The Second Street work is the first phase of a larger project that will later continue from Trudeau Street to Touline Street, followed by work on Touline Street between Second Street and Fourth Street. The project is being completed through the State Capital Outlay Program, with the State of Louisiana covering 75 percent of the cost.

No further information is available at this time. Additional updates are expected as work continues.