Boston Reroutes Five Routes After Water Break

36-inch water main rupture floods Jackson Square, closes busway, detours five routes

Boston Water Main Break Closes Jackson Square Busway

A major water main break at Jackson Square in Jamaica Plain closed the busway and detoured five bus routes Tuesday afternoon, transit officials said. The rupture of a 36-inch transmission line at Columbus Avenue, Centre Street, and Richie Street happened just before 4 p.m., flooding streets and forcing evacuations of three daycare facilities. Routes 14, 22, 29, 41, and 44 were detoured around the area while crews from the Boston Water and Sewer Commission worked to repair the damage.

Infrastructure Challenges Complicate Repairs

Fire officials said the city's aging infrastructure contributed to the severity of the break and made shutting off water valves more difficult. The 36-inch diameter transmission line represents critical water infrastructure for the area. Repair crews were expected to remain on scene overnight Tuesday, though officials couldn't guarantee completion before Wednesday's morning commute. Columbus Avenue remained closed from Heath Street to Amory Street as crews worked to contain the flooding and repair the damaged line.

Multiple Routes Detoured Around Closure Zone

The Jackson Square busway closure affected five bus routes serving the Jamaica Plain area. Routes 14, 22, 29, 41, and 44 were all detoured around the flooded intersection, officials said. Orange Line service at Jackson Square station continued operating normally despite the busway closure. Police urged drivers and pedestrians to avoid the area entirely as water rushed into streets and flooded local businesses. Officials warned that temperatures dropping overnight could create icing conditions on affected streets.

Overnight Repairs Target Wednesday Commute

Boston Water and Sewer Commission crews worked through Tuesday night to repair the ruptured transmission line, officials said. However, they couldn't guarantee the busway would reopen before Wednesday morning's commute. Crews prepared to spread sand on affected streets to prevent accidents from potential icing as temperatures dropped overnight. Officials didn't provide a specific timeline for when Columbus Avenue would fully reopen or when bus routes would return to normal service patterns.

Riders Face Extended Detours During Repairs

Commuters using Routes 14, 22, 29, 41, and 44 should expect continued detours until repairs are completed and the Jackson Square busway reopens, transit officials said. The extent of damage to the roadway from flooding wasn't immediately clear. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on detour routes and service changes as repair work continues. Officials urged anyone traveling through Jamaica Plain to allow extra time and consider alternative routes until the area fully reopens.