Columbia, SC (WLTX) — Columbia water officials say it could take up to two weeks to repair a water main break that's led to traffic problems along Clemson Road near the Village at Sandhill.
Officials originally said a sinkhole on Clemson Road at Promenade Place was gushing water, closing the road in that area. Official later clarified that a 12-inch water main break caused the flooding. The call came in around 4:30 a.m., according to Richland County dispatch.
One lane of Clemson Road between Promenade Place and Fashion Drive is now open towards the Summit, while two lanes are moving traffic in the direction of Two Notch Road. The Village at Sandhills is also now accessible from Clemson Road.
Rhame Road at the intersection of Clemson Road will be closed to northbound traffic during repairs. A detour has been established for drivers access to Rhame Road from Clemson Road.
According to the S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT), at least one lane will remain closed until repairs can be made.
Drivers should expect congestion in the area and should consider alternate routes if at all possible.
Joey Jaco, director of utility operations for Columbia Water, says repairs will be difficult since interconnected multiple lines cross each other.
But to fully repair the line may take until almost the end of hte month.
"We'll have a contractor come in and assist us with the road repair and that road repair will likely take up to two weeks to complete," Jaco said. "So we're looking at up to two weeks that we could have a traffic disruption in this area."
Residents and businesses in the area may experience an interruption in water service or fall under a boil water advisory as repairs are made on Tuesday.
The City of Columbia says any questions or concerns can be directed to their Customer Care Center at (803) 545-3300.
This is a developing story. Check back here for updates as the become available.