By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - As if there wasn't enough construction in Niles, the breaking of a water main has caused more.
On Saturday night, an eight-inch water main at the east end of the Clifford Eden Bridge that crosses the St. Joseph River at Broadway broke causing city officials to have to close the bridge until the problem can be fixed.
Coulston said it is currently difficult to measure how long it will take to get the problem fixed. Today will be crucial in determining the extent of damage to the bridge as crews start digging in the area and see what exactly is wrong and then try to fix it.
With the threat of rain in the forecast, the city's goal is to get the bridge repaired as quickly as possible.
City of Niles Water Superintendent David Morse said customers won't experience any water pressure loss. They are currently taking advantage of two alternatives with a second water main getting water to the westside and valves have been opened to get water to needed places.
The problem area could be back to normal as early as Friday evening, as one of the options is to use a quick-set concrete. But it is likely to be sometime early next week before the bridge will re-open.
The Broadway Bridge will remained closed while the water pipe is replaced. After repair, the main must be chlorinated, bacteria samples taken and then finally the bridge can be re-paved. Traffic can once again travel along the route once the concrete is cured.