LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Water service is back on for all businesses impacted by Wednesday's main break in the Okolona neighborhood.
There are still lane closures on Preston Highway as crews clean up the site, officials said. There are no traffic closures on Outer Loop, but crews advise people to watch out for the detour signs.
Kelley Dearing Smith, a Louisville Water spokesperson, said a 12-inch diameter pipe broke around 7 a.m. at the intersection of Preston Highway and Outer Loop.
"Louisville Water crews worked quickly to turn off the water service but it took lots of effort since there was so much water in the roadway and the frigid temperatures created icy conditions," Smith said.
She said crews have started repairing the pipe and will be there "all day." There are a few businesses without water service, but crews are working to get the service returned as soon as possible.
Ida Gaye owns a hair salon across the street from the water main break. Though she quickly learned traffic was cut off Wednesday morning, she didn't know her water would be too.
"It makes me feel terrible. They didn't even tell us nothing," Gaye said. "You cannot do hair without no water. It affects me a lot, we cannot sit here without having water."
Because of this, Gaye said all of her customers canceled except for one, making her fearful for the days ahead.
"If your customers cancelled, that's big work, and the month is ending and we have to pay our bills," she said. "To lose the business for today, that's a lot of damage for us."
It's still unclear what caused the break, but Gaye hopes to see a full improvement soon. If not, she'll be left without customers, which will shut down a flow of income for her salon.
"All we have is the hair braiding. I'm looking forward to getting back to business," Gaye said.
For the time being, officials warn of traffic delays in both directions of Preston Highway and Outer Loop, so drivers should proceed with caution.
Smith said people can follow Louisville Water Company on social media for the latest updates.
This story may be updated as more information is released.
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