Raleigh Water Main Break Shuts Down Blue Ridge Road, Repairs May Extend Into Week

RALEIGH, N.C. — A major water main break has shut down a busy section of Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh, with repairs expected to continue into Monday — and possibly beyond — according to Raleigh Water officials. The closure could cause significant delays for drivers during the Monday morning commute.

Pipe Break Near Crabtree Valley Mall Causes Closure

The break occurred late Saturday night in the 3900 block of Blue Ridge Road, roughly half a mile from Crabtree Valley Mall, near Nova Star Lane, as reported by WRAL News.
City officials said all lanes were closed Sunday morning and will remain shut through at least Monday afternoon, depending on repair progress. The current estimate for reopening is 2 p.m. Monday, though delays into Tuesday or Wednesday are possible.

“We’re waiting right now for some replacement pipe and parts, and then we’re going to see about the repaving schedule,” said Ed Buchan, Raleigh Water’s assistant director. “We may be able to get it back in service Monday, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it extends into Tuesday or Wednesday.”

Residents and Drivers Affected

The 12-inch water line rupture temporarily left two houses and one apartment complex without water or with low pressure. Crews have been excavating deeply to access and replace the damaged pipe.
“It’s a pretty deep excavation to get to the pipe,” Buchan said. “You’re going to have to bring in a lot of fill material to bring it back up to grade, and then the pavement is pretty thick.”

Officials say the cause of the break remains unclear, but they are grateful the damage was not worse. “We were a little concerned about whether it impacted the culvert underneath it,” Buchan added. “It didn’t seem to have done that.”

Detour Routes and Traffic Advisory

A detour is currently in place around the closure:

• Northbound traffic: Turn left on Homewood Drive, right on Crabtree Boulevard, then left back onto Blue Ridge Road.
• Southbound traffic: Turn right on Crabtree Boulevard, left on Homewood Drive, then right back onto Blue Ridge Road.

The city is asking drivers to avoid the area if possible and to allow extra travel time, especially as the North Carolina State Fair begins Thursday, which typically brings heavy traffic along Blue Ridge Road and nearby Western Boulevard.

Repair Efforts Ongoing

City officials posted updates Sunday night stating that the repair timeline “depends on weather and other factors.” Crews are monitoring the site and working around the clock to restore service and reopen lanes safely.
“Raleigh Water appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as crews work to resolve this issue as quickly and safely as possible,” the city said in a statement.

Motorists can follow real-time updates on lane reopenings through WRAL Traffic Center.

Drivers and residents affected by the water service disruption can share their updates or concerns with our newsroom at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.